House Bill No. 1126, introduced by Grego, aims to enhance public health and safety by prohibiting the misbranding and false advertising of food products, particularly those that resemble meat but are derived from non-animal sources. The bill defines key terms such as "manufactured-protein food product," "cultivated-protein food product," and "qualifying term," which are essential for identifying and labeling food products accurately. It establishes that any food product labeled with an identifying meat term must also include a conspicuous qualifying term to avoid misleading consumers. The State Department of Health is tasked with investigating credible claims of misbranding and false advertising, and the bill outlines penalties for violations, including potential misdemeanor charges and the revocation of food seller licenses.
The legislation also grants the State Department of Health the authority to adopt necessary rules for implementation. It emphasizes the importance of clear labeling and separation of manufactured-protein food products from traditional meat products in food establishments. The bill is set to take effect on November 1, 2025, and aims to ensure that consumers are well-informed about the nature of the food products they purchase, thereby promoting transparency and safety in the food industry.