Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cell Cultured Meat topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate committee backs ban on sale and manufacture of cell‑cultured meat
Summary
The committee voted to do‑pass House Bill 401, which would prohibit manufacture, sale and distribution of cell‑cultured (lab‑grown) meat in the state; proponents cited concerns about safety and protecting traditional agriculture and the vote passed 10–1 on roll call.
The Senate Agriculture committee voted to do‑pass House Bill 401, a measure that would prohibit the manufacturing, sale and distribution of cell‑cultured (lab‑grown) edible meat products in the state.
Sponsor Braxton Mitchell told the committee the bill targets cell‑cultured meat production and does not affect plant‑based meat substitutes; he argued the product’s long‑term health effects are not fully known and said the measure would protect Montana’s agricultural traditions and economic interests. Several proponents (including Randon Gregg and Chris Averill) echoed concerns about safety, economic impacts on traditional meat industries and labeling.
Mike Honeycutt, executive officer for the Department of Livestock, provided informational context on enforcement and regulation; he explained that retail enforcement would fall to the Department of Health and Human Services while the USDA and FDA currently share authority over production and food‑safety review at the federal level.
Senator Dunwell registered the sole committee no vote, expressing concerns about preemptively banning a product not yet widely commercially available and about future food‑security implications. The roll call recorded 10 ayes and 1 no on the do‑pass motion.
The committee’s action advances HB401 to the Senate floor for further consideration; implementation and enforcement details will depend on codified definitions and coordination among state and federal agencies if the ban becomes law.
