UPSIDE Foods Hosts Free Cultivated Chicken Tasting Before Florida’s Ban – vegconomist

UPSIDE Foods, the first company to introduce a cultivated meat product in the USA,  announces that it is hosting a free, one-night-only pop-up tasting in Miami, on June 27, starting at 6:30 pm (ET).
The event aims to celebrate “freedom of food” and allow Floridians to taste cultivated meat before the ban prohibiting the production and sale of cultivated meat in Florida takes effect on July 1, 2024.
“We believe in a future where everyone has access to delicious food options”  
At the pop-up, participants will have the opportunity to taste UPSIDE’s cultivated chicken on a first-come, first-served basis. The address has not been disclosed; to obtain it, contact [email protected].
Dr. Uma Valeti, CEO and founder of UPSIDE Foods, commented, “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.
“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,” he continued.
Chef Mika Leon © UPSIDE Foods
Tasting the future
Chef Mika Leon, a renowned Miami chef, TV personality, owner of restaurant Caja Caliente, and mixologist Gio Gutierrez, will support UPSIDE Foods at the event. According to The Cell Base, Chef Leon will prepare around 75 tasting servings of UPSIDE’s cultivated chicken fillet in a Cuban style, with the final dish yet to be announced.
“I can attest that their products are delicious”
Chef Leon shares, “Having had the opportunity to work with UPSIDE’s cultivated chicken, I can attest that their products are delicious. From appearance to aroma and taste, their products provide the same experience you’d expect from chicken. As a chef, I love the idea of preserving the foods we love while using innovation to figure out ways to create a better future of food.”
© UPSIDE Foods
A ban on progress
Governor DeSantis passed the proposed bill to into law this May, making Florida the first US state to criminalize cultivated meat. Alabama followed, making “fake meat” also illegal within the state. Meanwhile, Iowa has also passed legislation regulating labeling cultivated meat and alternative meat products.
“This policy not only affects cultivated meat but also stifles progress in biotech, life sciences, and other innovative industries”
UPSIDE’s pop-up is co-hosted with The Brick & Timber Collective, a leading real estate company with properties in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Miami.
Jesse Feldman, Partner at Brick & Timber Collective, said, “The state’s ban on cultivated meat is short-sighted and damaging to its tech ecosystem. This policy not only affects cultivated meat but also stifles progress in biotech, life sciences, and other innovative industries that can thrive here. Opposing such policies is crucial to protect Florida and Miami as vibrant tech hubs.”

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