Indiana has enacted a two-year ban on the sale, production, and labeling of cultivated meat, a decision signed into law by Governor Mike Braun on May 6, 2025.
The moratorium, which will take effect on July 1, 2025, and remain in place until June 30, 2027, comes as part of House Bill 1425. The law prohibits the sale of lab-grown meat unless it adheres to strict labeling requirements, including a clear statement that the product is an “imitation meat product,” according to Indiana Ag Connection
As defined by the bill, cultivated meat refers to animal protein grown from stem cells in a laboratory, designed to replicate the look, taste, and nutritional profile of conventional meat. Under the new law, any company misbranding such products could face penalties, with fines reaching up to $10,000. This fine is among the highest penalties levied by any state regarding this matter.
Advertising, labeling, and sales restrictions
The law also places a restriction on how cultivated meat can be advertised, labeled, and sold. Products must be clearly marked to indicate they are not traditional meat products, with specific guidelines set by the state’s Board of Animal Health (BOAH). Failure to comply with these rules could result in legal consequences.
The bill passed with substantial support, garnering a 74-15 vote in the House and a 43-7 vote in the Senate. This legislative action places Indiana among the five states—along with Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Montana—that have enacted some form of ban on cultivated meat. Several other states, including South Dakota and Nebraska, have proposed similar measures that have yet to be passed.
While the moratorium will expire in 2027, the law could shape ongoing discussions about the regulation of lab-grown meat in the US.
