Michigan House Bill HB4653

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/24/23
• Refer: 5/24/23

Caption

Food: other; labeling lab-grown meat as meat; prohibit. Amends sec. 7129 of 2000 PA 92 (MCL 289.7129).

Impact

The amendments proposed in HB4653 will affect both consumers and manufacturers in Michigan. For consumers, the bill is designed to enhance transparency in food labeling, helping them make informed choices about the products they buy. By clarifying what can be labeled as meat, the bill aims to prevent confusion among consumers regarding traditional meat and lab-grown alternatives. For manufacturers, compliance with these new labeling requirements may necessitate changes in marketing and product development strategies to ensure adherence to the law.

Summary

House Bill 4653 seeks to amend the Food Law of 2000 by providing specific labeling requirements for meat products, particularly focusing on the distinction between traditional meat and laboratory-grown substitutes. The bill emphasizes that if a product is categorized as meat, it must be derived entirely from the species indicated in its name. Furthermore, the legislation prohibits labeling or identifying laboratory-grown meat substitutes as meat, establishing a clear boundary between these two categories. The intent of this exclusion is to ensure that consumers are not misled regarding the nature of the products they purchase.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HB4653 is the debate over the labeling of laboratory-grown meats. Proponents argue that consumers have the right to know precisely what they are consuming, and this legislation will protect them from misleading labels. Critics, however, may view the bill as an effort to stifle innovation in food technology and could argue that stringent definitions could limit consumer choices. Discussions in legislative circles may revolve around balancing consumer protection with fostering advancements in food production methods.