On November 16, 2023, the Italian Chamber of Deputies passed legislation prohibiting the production and distribution of cultured meat, making Italy the first country in the world to do so. This contrasts with other countries, particularly the United States, where cultured meat has already been approved by health authorities and is available for purchase. However, Parliament's decision does not represent the opinions of a deeply divided nation. According to a poll, 40% of Italians oppose the sale. On the other side, 45 percent support the product's sale, but fewer than half (20 percent of the sample) are willing to consume it right now. That leaves a sizable 16 percent with no view on the subject. Since its start, the Meloni government has politicized the dispute over cultured meat, taking a contrary viewpoint. Contrarians are currently more prevalent among those with a right-wing orientation, whereas those with a left-leaning inclination are more pro-consumption and pro-sales.
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