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Panel approves ban‑style bill on cultured food products with technical amendment amid industry objections
Summary
The committee reported SB152 (cultured/cell‑based food products) as amended after a brief hearing in which industry representatives warned a ban could conflict with federal oversight and raise First Amendment issues for advertising restrictions. The committee adopted a technical amendment and reported the bill.
Senate Health and Welfare considered SB152, a food‑safety bill restricting certain cultured (cell‑cultivated) food products. The sponsor described it as a consumer‑protection and food‑safety measure modeled after actions in other states. The committee adopted a technical amendment (9‑68) and moved the bill as amended.
Tamar Lieberman of the Good Food Institute told the committee that a wholesale ban would replace evidence‑based federal regulation with prohibition and could trigger First Amendment concerns, particularly where advertising restrictions are written too broadly. She urged a regulatory and labeling approach rather than prohibition.
Committee members adopted a technical amendment and reported the bill as amended; they noted concerns raised about federal preemption and free‑speech issues and signaled further floor‑level work might be necessary.
