House Agriculture panel advances bill to require clear labeling of lab-grown and insect animal proteins

Boise — The Idaho House Agriculture Committee voted to introduce RS 31941 on a voice vote after a wide-ranging discussion about labeling for emerging food products made from cultured animal cells and insect proteins.

The bill, sponsored by Representative Heather Scott of District 2, would add a new chapter to Title 37 of the Idaho Code to establish labeling requirements for “alternative animal proteins,” the draft says. Scott told the committee the measure is intended to “enhance transparency and empower consumers regarding the foods they purchase and consume.”

Scott said the proposed language would require common names — and, where used, scientific names — to appear clearly on packaging and in other product labeling. The draft also gives the Idaho Department of Agriculture…