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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Re-ref Com On Commerce and Economic Development2025-04-29

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill requires cell-cultured meat and poultry products to be clearly labeled with terms like 'lab-grown' or 'cell-cultured' in at least 20-point font near the product name. It prohibits public schools, charter schools, community colleges, and universities from purchasing these products. The bill also creates a voluntary donation program allowing retailers to collect customer donations for farms affected by Hurricane Helene, and appropriates $1.5 million for a government efficiency audit of North Carolina's disaster response.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill protects consumer transparency by ensuring people know what they're buying and can make informed choices about cell-cultured versus traditional meat.
• •They contend that prohibiting these products in public institutions protects traditional agriculture, supports local farmers, and ensures public resources support conventional farming.
• •Supporters also view the Hurricane Helene relief fund and efficiency audit as necessary support for Western North Carolina farms devastated by the hurricane.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents contend that mandatory labeling requirements and institutional purchasing bans may unfairly stigmatize emerging food technology and limit consumer choice and innovation in food production.
• •They argue the labeling could be unnecessarily burdensome on new manufacturers and that institutional bans prevent schools and colleges from potentially using cost-effective or nutritionally beneficial products.
• •Some may question whether government efficiency audits represent the best use of $1.5 million in disaster relief funding.