Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1079

Oklahoma 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/25
• Refer: 2/4/25

Caption

Food; requiring disclosure by licensed food establishments for use of cell-cultured meat. Effective date.

Impact

The enactment of SB1079 is expected to introduce significant changes to food labeling and sales practices in the state. By requiring disclosure about the presence of cell-cultured meat in food products, the bill aims to allow consumers to make informed choices regarding their food consumption. This aligns with broader health regulatory frameworks while also addressing the growing market for alternative protein sources that diverge from traditional agriculture-based methods of meat production.

Summary

Senate Bill 1079 establishes new regulations regarding the sale of cell-cultured meat, which is defined as meat developed from animal cell cultures instead of through conventional livestock methods. The bill mandates that licensed food establishments are prohibited from selling any food products containing cell-cultured meat unless they maintain compliance with specific rules enacted by the State Commissioner of Health. This regulatory approach is intended to ensure consumer awareness and safety concerning alternative meat products that are emerging in the food market.

Contention

Although the bill seeks to provide clear information to consumers, there are potential points of contention surrounding it. One notable concern involves balancing food innovation with consumer protection; critics may argue that regulations could hinder the advancement of cell-cultured meat technology. Additionally, as the market for lab-grown meat expands, establishing a consistent regulatory standard will be essential, but it could also provoke debates among stakeholders, including food producers, environmental advocates, and health experts about the implications of such regulations.