Apparently, the content of the meme here is true, but the rationale remains unclear.  Reports have cited that the measure was taken to protect Italy’s live (soon-to-be-slaughtered) beef  industry.

I wonder why it’s the province of government to tell us what we can and cannot eat.  The plant-based meat industry in the United States is not strong, but our constitution will not support a ban on the sale and consumption of Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods, or even demonstrably useless dietary supplements.

Here’s a reader who agrees: People are amazing to me. Why on Earth does anyone care what others want to eat? I don’t think I would eat lab grown meat, but why do I care if someone else does? It seems like a decent idea to alleviate some issues with the raising of livestock. I just wish people could mind their own business more when it comes to things that won’t affect them. Alas, wanting to control others, a true sign of weakness.

Italy’s Ban on Lab-Grown Meat