Tennessee House Bill HB0842

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/23
• Refer: 2/2/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 44; Title 47, Chapter 18 and Title 53, relative to meat.

Impact

The bill impacts state laws by redefining parts of existing statutes related to livestock vaccinations and labeling practices. It ensures that livestock may not be mandated to receive mRNA vaccinations, which may have implications for health and safety measures within the state. Moreover, the ability to label meat as 'mRNA free' aims to cater to consumer preferences, potentially influencing market choices and animal husbandry practices among farmers and producers.

Summary

House Bill 0842 focuses on amending sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding meat and livestock. Specifically, the bill introduces provisions relating to the labeling of meat products, allowing producers to label products as 'mRNA free' if the livestock were not administered mRNA vaccines. This provision aims to provide consumers with clearer information regarding the products they purchase, particularly in response to growing concerns over vaccine usage in animal health.

Contention

While proponents advocate for consumer choice and transparency regarding food products, some concerns might arise over the potential implications for animal health protocols and regulations. The bill's language suggests a shift in the authority regarding vaccination practices, which may lead to debates about animal welfare vs. consumer rights. The introduction of labeling restrictions could be viewed as a push to support certain agricultural practices, sparking contention among stakeholders in the agricultural sector.