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South Carolina Bill Would Impose Labeling Restrictions on Cultivated Meat Products

South Carolina bill S. 1150 would prohibit cultivated meat products from being labeled as “beef, poultry, fish, or any other meat that the cultivated food product may resemble for the purposes of manufacturing, selling, or holding or offering for sale.” The bill also would require manufacturers and sellers of cultivated meat products to “indicate that the cultivated food product is not beef, poultry, fish, or any other meat that the cultivated food product may resemble.” The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Florida Legislature Bans Sale and Manufacture of Cultivated Meat

The Florida Legislature has approved a bill banning the sale and manufacture of cultivated meat. The bill classifies the sale and manufacture of cultivated meat as a second-degree misdemeanor, with violators facing a possible $1,000 fine and potential licence suspension for businesses. The legislation aligns Florida with other states (like Arizona) considering similar bans and countries such as Italy which have implemented a ban.

Florida Bills Would Prohibit Sale of Cultivated Meat and Criminalize Trespass on Commercial Agricultural Property

Florida Senate Bill 1084 and House Bill 1071 would amend laws relating to a broad range of industries and activities regulated by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The bills include a prohibition on the sale and distribution of cultivated meat and criminal penalties for “trespass[] with the intent to commit a crime on [posted] commercial agricultural property.” SB 1084 passed the Senate on February 29, 2024, and, as of writing, is under consideration on the House Floor, where amendments to change the cultivated meat prohibition to a labeling mandate failed. HB 1071 was reported favorably out of the Regulatory Reform & Economic Development Subcommittee, Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee, and Infrastructure Strategies Committee. The bills incorporate the substance of the cultivated meat ban bills Senate Bill 586 and House Bill 435, reported on last November.

France Bans Use of Meat Nomenclature on Plant-Based Alternative Labels

The French government banned the use of meat-related terms like “steak,” “escalope,” “ham,” “filet,” and “prime rib” on the labels of meatless products made in France. Plant-based products labeled with such terms that are produced elsewhere in the European Union (EU) may still be sold in France, and at least one industry consortium challenged the French law as a violation of EU food rules. Individual violators face fines of up to €1,500 and corporate violators may be fined up to €7,500.

Louisiana Bill Would Penalize Use of Louisiana Cultural Terms on Packaging of Seafood Products Not Produced or Caught in Louisiana, Remove References to “Chinese Seafood”

Louisiana Senate Bill 166 would impose civil penalties of up to $50,000 for the misappropriation of Louisiana’s culture or heritage on seafood labels or use of “any Louisiana-related imagery, phrases, colors, or styles” in marketing for seafood products that are not produced or landed within the state. The bill also would amend existing provisions to substitute “imported seafood” and other broader terms in place of references to “Chinese seafood.” The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare.

French Government Bans "Steak" Label for Vegetarian Products

France's government passed a decree on February27, 2024, prohibiting the use of terms like "steak" and "ham" on vegetarian product labels, following industry complaints of consumer confusion. Exceptions allow some products with minimal plant content to retain meat-related names. Violations could incur fines of up to €1,500 for individuals and €7,500 for companies, although a one-year transition period is provided for existing stock. Producers from other European Union countries can still sell items using “meaty names” in France.

Bill Would Impose Uniform Pet Food Labeling Requirements

H.R. 7380, the “Pet Food Uniform Regulatory Reform Act of 2024,” would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to preempt state and local pet food labeling and marketing requirements, deem certain ingredients as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS), and impose uniform labeling requirements on pet foods. The bill was introduced by Representative Jake LaTurner and four original cosponsors, and it was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.