The bill in question aims to regulate the production and distribution of food products derived from cultured animal cells, commonly known as cultivated food products, within the state. It defines "cultivated food product" as any food product produced from cultured animal cells and makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture, sell, hold for sale, or distribute such products in the state. Violation of this prohibition is classified as a Class C misdemeanor. Additionally, food sales establishments and food establishments that violate this law are subject to disciplinary actions, including the potential suspension or revocation of their food safety permits as per the relevant sections of the Code of Alabama 1975 and the rules of the Department of Public Health.

The bill also allows for the Department of Agriculture and Industries and the Department of Public Health to adopt necessary rules to implement this section. It explicitly states that the prohibition does not prevent governmental entities or institutions of higher education, or their partners, from conducting research on the production of cultivated food products. The bill acknowledges that it may require new or increased local expenditure but is exempt from further requirements under Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022 because it defines or amends the definition of a crime. The act is set to become effective on October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 20-1-20
Engrossed: 20-1-20
Enrolled: 20-1-20