UPSIDE Foods to hold cultivated meat tasting days before Florida ban

In Miami, cultivated meat pioneer UPSIDE Foods is planning a cultivated chicken tasting on June 27, just days before a Florida ban on the product goes into effect.

UPSIDE has not disclosed the location, but interested parties can contact media@upsidefoods.com for more information.  Mika Leon, a celebrity chef and owner of Caja Caliente, will prepare about 75 servings of Cuban-style cultivated chicken for the tasting.

 “We believe that cultivated meat is an essential part of the future of food and that people should have the right to choose what goes on their plates,” says Dr. Uma Valeti, CEO and founder of UPSIDE Foods. “This law disregards food safety experts, limits consumer choice, and stifles American innovation. It’s a setback for progress, job creation, and Florida’s potential in a new industry. We believe in a future where everyone has access to delicious food options, and this event is our way of showcasing what’s possible.”

Florida is the first state to ban cultivated meat, and was closely followed by Alabama and Iowa.