The proposed bill seeks to prohibit the manufacture, sale, holding, offering for sale, or distribution of cell-cultured edible products in Montana. It establishes that individuals who knowingly violate this prohibition will be committing a misdemeanor, subject to penalties under existing law. Retail food establishments found in violation may face disciplinary actions, including potential suspension of their business licenses. The bill also empowers the department to adopt rules for its implementation and provides definitions for key terms such as "cell-cultured edible product" and "retail food establishment."

Additionally, the bill amends the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) by deleting language that previously allowed cell-cultured edible products to be labeled as meat under certain criteria, thereby reinforcing the distinction between these products and traditional meat. It clarifies that cell-cultured edible products derived from meat muscle cells, fat cells, connective tissue, blood, or other meat components will not be considered misbranded if labeled according to specific guidelines. The introduction of a new prohibition against the commercialization of cell-cultured edible products reflects a significant regulatory stance aimed at protecting public health and consumer interests in Montana.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 30-12-210, 50-31-103, 50-31-203, 81-9-217
HB0401_1(1): 30-12-210, 50-31-103, 50-31-203, 81-9-217
HB0401_1(2): 30-12-210, 50-31-103, 50-31-203, 81-9-217
HB0401_1(3): 30-12-210, 50-31-103, 50-31-203, 81-9-217
HB0401_1(4): 30-12-210, 50-31-103, 50-31-203, 81-9-217
HB0401_1(5): 30-12-210, 50-31-103, 50-31-203, 81-9-217
HB0401_1(6): 30-12-210, 50-31-103, 50-31-203, 81-9-217
HB0401_1: 30-12-210, 50-31-103, 50-31-203, 81-9-217
HB0401_2(1): 30-12-210, 50-31-103, 50-31-203, 81-9-217
HB0401_2(10): 30-12-210, 50-31-103, 50-31-203, 81-9-217
HB0401_2(11): 30-12-210, 50-31-103, 50-31-203, 81-9-217
HB0401_2(12): 30-12-210, 50-31-103, 50-31-203, 81-9-217
HB0401_2(13): 30-12-210, 50-31-103, 50-31-203, 81-9-217
HB0401_2(2): 30-12-210, 50-31-103, 50-31-203, 81-9-217
HB0401_2(3): 30-12-210, 50-31-103, 50-31-203, 81-9-217
HB0401_2(4): 30-12-210, 50-31-103, 50-31-203, 81-9-217
HB0401_2(5): 30-12-210, 50-31-103, 50-31-203, 81-9-217
HB0401_2(6): 30-12-210, 50-31-103, 50-31-203, 81-9-217
HB0401_2(7): 30-12-210, 50-31-103, 50-31-203, 81-9-217
HB0401_2(8): 30-12-210, 50-31-103, 50-31-203, 81-9-217
HB0401_2(9): 30-12-210, 50-31-103, 50-31-203, 81-9-217
HB0401_2: 30-12-210, 50-31-103, 50-31-203, 81-9-217
HB0401_X(1): 50-31-103, 50-31-203, 50-31-501, 81-9-217
HB0401_X(2): 50-31-103, 50-31-203, 50-31-501, 81-9-217
HB0401_X(3): 50-31-103, 50-31-203, 50-31-501, 81-9-217
HB0401_X(4): 50-31-103, 50-31-203, 50-31-501, 81-9-217
HB0401_X(5): 50-31-103, 50-31-203, 50-31-501, 81-9-217
HB0401_X: 50-31-103, 50-31-203, 50-31-501, 81-9-217