Montana’s Major Food Ban Goes Into October 1st

I've learned a lot about Montana since moving to the state about a month ago. Before Montana, I spent the last four years in Idaho and the remaining thirty four years down in Texas.

So naturally, my friends and family outside of the state have been asking a lot of questions about what's it like living here and I got asked one question about Montana that even caught me off-guard.

"Is Artificial Meat Really Illegal in Montana?"

Being here about a month, I initially didn't know the answer to this question asked by family back in Texas until I looked it up myself. Apparently, artificial meat became illegal in Texas as of September 1st of this year and Montana is following suit.

ALSO READ: Montana Drivers Urged To Check To See If Their Vehicle Is On Major Recall List

When I looked up the law on my phone, it didn't take long to see that Governor Gianforte signed House Bill 401 into law back on May 1 of this year according to the official site for the state of Montana.

“If you’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying a cut of Montana beef, you know there is no substitute,” Governor Gianforte said at the time.

“By signing House Bill 401 into law, I am proud to defend our way of life and the hardworking Montana ranchers who produce the best beef in the world.”

When Does House Bill 401 Go Into Effect?

The bill goes into effect next Wednesday on October 1st and there are some serious consequences for those thinking of ignoring the new law.

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According to the state of Montana, "any retail food establishment in Montana that manufactures, sells, or distributes cell-cultured edible product is subject to suspension of their license and could be found guilty of a misdemeanor and faced with fines and imprisonment if convicted."

Now that the beef situation is handled, here's what you need to know about the milking laws of Montana.