The Association for Meat, Poultry & Seafood Innovation (AMPS Innovation) welcomes the Florida federal court’s recent decision to allow key aspects of UPSIDE Foods’ lawsuit to proceed. This ruling affirms the importance of judicial scrutiny over state laws that may impede food innovation and consumer choice.​

While the court previously declined to issue a preliminary injunction to immediately halt Florida’s ban on cultivated meat, it also refused to dismiss the case outright and maintained several Florida officials as defendants in the ongoing trial. Critically, the court recognized the potential validity of UPSIDE Foods’ claims under both the Commerce Clause and the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, allowing these challenges to move forward — which could help set important precedent against other state bans. Although some claims and defendants were dismissed, the core constitutional arguments remain, marking a positive step toward protecting consumer choice, supporting fair competition, and advancing food innovation.

This development underscores the critical role of the judiciary in evaluating state actions that could disrupt interstate commerce and hinder advancements in food technology. AMPS remains committed to supporting efforts that ensure a fair and open marketplace, where innovative food solutions can thrive and consumers have the freedom to choose.​

Read the official press release from the Institute for Justice: https://ij.org/press-release/upside-foods-win-first-round-victory-in-challenge-to-florida-ban-on-cultivated-meat/