AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39; Title 40; Title 44; Title 47 and Title 53, relative to cell-cultured food products.
Summary
SB0568 would prohibit the sale, distribution, or importation for sale or distribution in Tennessee of cell-cultured food products, defined as food produced without slaughter by growing harvested animal, shellfish, or fish cells in a controlled environment. The bill applies to products intended for human food and also covers food additives or ingredients made in that manner when used in food.
The bill creates an enforcement framework for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. If the commissioner believes a violation has occurred, the department must provide written notice and allow a hearing under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act. If a violation is confirmed, the person faces a $1 million fine, and the commissioner may revoke a food establishment permit if the violation is connected to that establishment. Cell-cultured products sold or distributed in violation of the ban are also subject to forfeiture.
Impact
The bill would add a new restriction to Tennessee’s food and agriculture laws by effectively banning cultivated meat and similar cell-based food products from the state market. It would amend Title 53 and interact with enforcement provisions in Titles 40 and 4, while also affecting food establishment permitting and seizure/forfeiture procedures. The Department of Agriculture would be required to adopt rules to implement the ban, and the act would take effect July 1, 2025.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or formal support/opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears strongly restrictive and protective of traditional agricultural and food production interests, suggesting likely support from conventional livestock and agriculture stakeholders and likely concern from cultivated-meat producers, food innovation advocates, and businesses seeking to sell alternative protein products.
Contention
The central point of contention is the outright prohibition on cell-cultured food products, rather than regulation or labeling requirements. Supporters would likely view the ban as necessary to protect consumers, food safety, and Tennessee agriculture, while opponents would likely argue it blocks market access, innovation, and competition in the alternative protein sector. The severity of the penalty—a $1 million fine and possible permit revocation—also suggests the bill is designed to deter violations aggressively, which would likely be a major issue for affected manufacturers, distributors, and food establishments.