S.B. No. 261 introduces a prohibition on the offering for sale and the sale of cell-cultured protein for human consumption in Texas. The bill defines "cell-cultured protein" as a food product derived from harvesting animal cells and artificially replicating those cells in a growth medium to produce tissue. It establishes that such sales are unlawful and outlines that violations may be enforced similarly to existing health code violations. This prohibition is set to expire on September 1, 2027.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of the Health and Safety Code to clarify the definitions of food products, specifically excluding cell-cultured protein from terms like "egg," "meat," and "poultry." It also mandates that any labeling of cell-cultured protein must be clear and prominent, using terms like "cell-cultured" or "lab-grown." The bill includes a provision for the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission to adopt necessary rules for implementation, with the act taking effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 431.002, Health and Safety Code 431.021, Health and Safety Code 431.081 (Health and Safety Code 431)
Senate Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 431.002, Health and Safety Code 431.021, Health and Safety Code 431.0211, Health and Safety Code 431.0805, Health and Safety Code 431.081, Health and Safety Code 433.0415 (Health and Safety Code 431, Health and Safety Code 433)
Engrossed: Health and Safety Code 431.002, Health and Safety Code 431.0805, Health and Safety Code 433.0415 (Health and Safety Code 431, Health and Safety Code 433)
House Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 431.002, Health and Safety Code 431.0805, Health and Safety Code 433.0415 (Health and Safety Code 431, Health and Safety Code 433)
Enrolled: Health and Safety Code 431.002, Health and Safety Code 431.0805, Health and Safety Code 433.0415 (Health and Safety Code 431, Health and Safety Code 433)