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Committee approves ban on sale of cultivated meat with departmental labeling amendments
Summary
House Bill 61, which would ban manufacture and sale of cultivated (lab‑grown) meat in the state, passed the committee 7‑2 after the Department of Agriculture’s amendments to remove narrow phrasing and add labeling clarifications were adopted.
A committee voted 7‑2 to report House Bill 61 with amendments after adopting language changes requested by the Department of Agriculture.
Representative Stro, the bill sponsor, said the measure prohibits manufacture, sale and distribution of cultivated meat — defined in the draft as meat grown in a laboratory — and argued the ban protects ranchers and consumers. “This bill protects Wyoming ranchers and consumers from dangerous chemicals sold to us under the guise of food,” Stro said during his presentation.
Department of Agriculture Director Doug Miiamoto told the committee the department can implement the prohibition but recommended technical changes to avoid loopholes. He urged striking the phrase “grown entirely in a laboratory” and removing “for human consumption” from several lines so the statute would cover potential pet‑food or other uses and be easier to administer. He also offered alternative labeling language to distinguish plant cell‑cultured and plant‑based products.
Stakeholders offered mixed views: Era Arino of the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union said members support clear labeling rather than an outright ban. The committee first adopted the department’s written amendment and then approved a motion to remove “for human consumption” from multiple lines; members asked Legislative Services Office to make needed conforming edits. On roll call, the committee reported the bill do‑pass with amendments (7‑2).
