TLRC position
Support
2025 · Consumer · Public Health
Requires labeling and licensing for lab-grown meat products.
HB 0804 / SB 0931
Bill description
Ban labeling of cell‑cultured food products as "meat" and move a July 1 deadline to July 15.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 47 and Title 53, relative to food.
Bill sponsors
House co-sponsors · 11
Michele Reneau R, Lee Reeves R, Debra Moody R, Tim Hicks R, Brock Martin R, Jason Zachary R, Dan Howell R, Elaine Davis R, Jake McCalmon R, Kip Capley R, John Crawford R
Senate co-sponsors · 5
Janice Bowling R, Rusty Crowe R, Todd Gardenhire R, Mark Pody R, Shane Reeves R
TLRC statement
This bill protects Tennessee consumers and agricultural integrity by establishing clear labeling and permitting requirements for lab-grown (cell-cultured) meat products. This bill ensures that products created from cell cultures rather than slaughtered animals cannot be deceptively marketed as traditional meat.
Under this legislation:
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Lab-grown meat must not be labeled as "meat" or a "meat food product", and misleading labeling will result in a $2,000 fine per product.
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The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is required to implement a permitting program for manufacturers of these products, with strict criteria that align with federal standards.
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All manufacturers must obtain a permit and pay an annual $1,000 fee, ensuring oversight and transparency.
This bill is important because it:
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Prevents consumer deception by ensuring clarity between traditional meat and lab-grown alternatives.
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Protects Tennessee’s livestock industry by keeping lab-grown products from competing unfairly under the same label.
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Promotes informed choice for consumers concerned about food origin, safety, and ethical standards.
Tennessee takes a firm stance on truth in food labeling, reinforces support for natural agriculture, and ensures that emerging biotech food products are properly regulated and clearly identified.