One Legislator’s Fight to Ban ‘Fake Meat’ in Indiana: Will the Governor Sign On?

In a significant move to protect Indiana’s farmers and ensure the safety of consumer food choices, State Representative Beau Baird has successfully pushed for legislation that would temporarily ban the sale of lab-grown, or “fake,” meat in the state. The bill, which passed through the Indiana legislature, is now headed to Governor Mike Braun for his signature. If signed, it will block cultivated meat from being sold in Indiana from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027.

The legislation, authored by Baird and co-authored by Representatives Joanna King, Justin Moed, and Maureen Bauer, seeks to ensure transparency in food labeling and protect public health. “Farmers have been the backbone of our country for generations, producing a safe, trusted food supply,” Baird stated. “We want to make sure that any product that imitates real meat is fully understood before it’s introduced to the market.”

Cultivated meat is produced by growing animal cells in a lab, a process that has raised concerns about its long-term health effects. Despite its approval by the USDA in 2023, Baird has been cautious about its safety. “The product is essentially a cellular slurry, a far cry from the real thing,” he explained. “I’m all for innovation, but we need to be sure this doesn’t pose a risk to consumers.”

This bill, which is officially titled House Bill 1425, establishes a two-year moratorium on the sale of cultivated meat in Indiana. It also prohibits the misbranding of cultivated meat products as real meat, requiring that they be clearly labeled and advertised as imitation products. After the moratorium ends in 2027, any cultivated meat product sold in the state must be clearly labeled as an “IMITATION MEAT PRODUCT” to ensure transparency for consumers.

Baird’s hard work in getting this legislation passed wasn’t easy. The bill originally started with a focus on labeling but evolved over time to include the two-year moratorium. The Indiana Senate initially proposed a one-year ban, but Baird fought to extend it to two years, giving time for further research into the safety of cultivated meat.

“This bill isn’t about banning the product forever,” Baird said. “It’s about ensuring we understand what’s in it before it hits the market. We need to know it’s safe for consumers.”

The bill was signed by the Speaker of the House on April 24, 2025, and passed through the Senate with overwhelming support. The latest version of the bill was adopted by both chambers in conference committee, following debates over labeling and the length of the moratorium.

Baird’s efforts are a testament to his commitment to consumer safety and his unwavering support for American farmers. “We already have a proven, safe, and trusted food supply,” he concluded. “This bill helps protect that integrity while making sure new technologies are introduced responsibly.”

With Governor Braun expected to sign the bill into law, this legislation marks a major win for consumer transparency, public health, and the future of Indiana’s agricultural industry. It ensures that any new food technologies are carefully tested and labeled, providing consumers with the clarity and safety they deserve.