Bill > HB1653

This bill modifies Missouri's food product regulations by introducing several new definitions and restrictions, primarily focusing on cell-cultured meat and mRNA-based products. It defines "cell-cultured meat product" as food produced by cultivating animal cells in a controlled environment without animal slaughter, and prohibits the manufacturing, processing, selling, or distributing of such products for human consumption. The bill also introduces regulations for mRNA-based products, requiring clear labeling of any meat, poultry, fish, or agricultural products that have been treated with or exposed to mRNA technologies or gene-therapy substances. The legislation empowers the departments of health and agriculture to jointly create rules for verifying and inspecting mRNA exposure in livestock and crops, establish labeling standards, and coordinate with federal agencies. Violations of these new provisions could result in misdemeanor charges with fines up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to one year, and potential additional administrative penalties of up to $10,000. The bill emphasizes consumer transparency and food safety, presenting these changes as an emergency measure to protect Missouri's livestock industry and ensure public health.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1653&year=2026&code=R