Criticism over Italy's proposed ban on lab-grown food

Italy has approved a draft law that would ban food grown in laboratories, including artificial meat, to safeguard the nation's heritage. The ban needs to be passed in both houses of parliament, and those who produce, export or import food grown from animal cells would face fines of up to €60,000 and risk having their manufacturing plants closed. Supporters argue that cell-based food avoids the need for animals to be killed and is better for the environment. However, critics have called the move misguided, and other European countries have announced investments in the research and development of cell-based foods.