Bill > H134

This bill establishes new labeling requirements for cell-cultured food products derived from agricultural food animals and poultry, ensuring consumers can clearly distinguish these products from traditional meat products. The legislation defines several key terms, including "cell-cultured food product" (a food item manufactured from stem cells grown in vitro to resemble animal tissue) and "identifying meat term" (words or phrases that describe meat products). The bill mandates that any cell-cultured food product using meat or poultry-related terminology must include a qualifying term like "cell-cultured," "fake," "lab-grown," or "grown in a lab" in at least 20-point font and in close proximity to the product name. These qualifying terms must be placed either immediately before or after the product name, in the same line as the name, or within the same phrase or sentence. The bill classifies products that do not meet these labeling requirements as "misbranded," which could subject them to regulatory action. The new labeling rules will apply to products sold or offered for sale on or after October 1, 2025, giving manufacturers time to update their packaging and comply with the new regulations. The primary goal of this legislation is to provide consumers with clear, transparent information about the origin and nature of cell-cultured food products.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry, Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H134