The bill, S.B. No. 822, introduces new regulations concerning the manufacture, processing, possession, distribution, offer for sale, and sale of cell-cultured protein in Texas. It 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. The bill amends the Health and Safety Code by adding a prohibition against these activities related to cell-cultured protein, which is included as a new unlawful act under Section 431.021. Additionally, it amends the definition of adulterated food to include any food that contains cell-cultured protein.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a new section, 433.057, which explicitly prohibits any person from engaging in the manufacture, processing, possession, distribution, offer for sale, or sale of cell-cultured protein. It also states that this prohibition takes precedence over any conflicting state laws. The executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission is tasked with adopting necessary rules to implement these changes, and 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)