H.B. No. 1431 introduces new regulations regarding cell-cultured protein intended for human consumption in Texas. The bill defines "cell-cultured protein" as a food product created by harvesting animal cells and replicating them in a growth medium. It establishes that the sale or offering of cell-cultured protein is unlawful and prohibits any food containing cell-cultured protein from being sold, labeling such food as adulterated. These provisions are temporary and set to expire on September 1, 2027.

Additionally, the bill amends existing definitions in the Health and Safety Code to clarify that terms like "egg," "meat," and "poultry" do not include cell-cultured protein. 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 repeals a previous section related to cell-cultured products and requires the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission to adopt necessary rules for implementation. The act is set to take 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)
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)