Summary
Creates clear labeling rules for cell-cultivated and plant-based foods to help people know if they are buying real meat or an alternative.
What problem does this solve?
Consumers may be confused by the labels on new types of food like lab-grown meat, not knowing if it's real meat. This bill creates strict labeling rules to make sure these products are clearly marked as 'cell-cultivated' or 'plant-based'.
What does this bill do?
Requires specific labels for cell-cultivated products
Mandates that labels for cell-cultivated products must include the words 'cell-cultivated' and a disclaimer that the product is not from a live animal.
Requires specific labels for plant-based alternatives
Mandates that labels for these products must include the phrase 'plant-based alternative protein product' and state they are not derived from meat or poultry.
Defines cell-cultivated meat and poultry products
Creates a legal definition for food made from cell cultures or DNA of an animal, grown outside of a live animal.
Defines plant-based alternative protein
Creates a legal definition for food made from plants that is designed to look and taste like meat or poultry.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 2
Header:
Revised memorandum of understanding between Secretary of Agriculture and Secretar
Updates agreement between USDA and HHS
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture and Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise their 2019 agreement on how to regulate cell-cultivated protein.
Develops new food identity standards
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to create common standards for what qualifies as a cell-cultivated or plant-based alternative protein product.
Who does this affect?
- Consumers
- Alternative protein companies
- Meat and poultry producers
What is the real world impact?
•
Promotes consumer transparency
Ensures that labels on food products clearly state whether they are traditional meat, cell-cultivated, or plant-based, preventing confusion for shoppers.
•
Protects the traditional meat industry
Requires labels that highlight the difference from 'naturally produced meat,' which could make alternative proteins less attractive to consumers and help traditional meat producers compete against new technologies.
When does this start?
This bill sets several deadlines for government agencies after it becomes law.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 2
Header:
Revised memorandum of understanding between Secretary of Agriculture and Secretar
Revised USDA and HHS agreement
Within 90 days of the law being passed, the USDA and HHS must update their agreement on regulating cell-cultivated protein.
New standards of identity
Within 180 days of the law being passed, the Secretary of Agriculture must develop standards of identity for cell-cultivated and plant-based protein products.