Tennessee Senate Bill SB1156

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 47, Chapter 18 and Title 53, relative to foods that contain nanotechnology.

Summary

SB1156 would prohibit the sale, delivery for sale, holding for sale, or offering for sale of food containing nanotechnology unless the product is labeled as containing nanotechnology. The bill defines nanotechnology for this purpose as human-created structures, devices, and systems engineered at the atomic or molecular scale, with one or more dimensions of 100 nanometers or less, and with the capability of collecting and transmitting data. The measure is framed as a food-labeling and consumer-information requirement rather than a ban on nanotechnology itself. It would add a new restriction to Tennessee law governing food sales, effective July 1, 2025, and would apply to foods sold in the state that meet the bill’s definition. The bill text references amendments to Titles 47 and 53 of the Tennessee Code Annotated, indicating changes to state law related to trade and food regulation.

Impact

SB1156 would create a new labeling obligation for food products containing nanotechnology and make unlabeled products subject to prohibition from sale or distribution in Tennessee. In practical terms, it would affect food manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and any other parties involved in the sale of food products that use nanotechnology as defined in the bill. The bill would also expand state regulatory oversight of food labeling and consumer disclosure requirements beginning July 1, 2025.

Sentiment

The available record shows no committee transcripts, recorded votes, or formal action history, so there is no documented debate or vote-based sentiment to assess. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears to be presented as a consumer transparency and labeling proposal rather than a controversial substantive restriction, but the legislative record provided does not show whether it was broadly supported or opposed.

Contention

The main potential point of contention is the bill’s definition and scope of “nanotechnology,” especially the inclusion of structures capable of collecting and transmitting data, which could raise questions about what products are covered and how compliance would be enforced. Food manufacturers and retailers could object to labeling burdens, while consumer advocates may support disclosure. Because no committee discussion or votes are provided, no specific lawmakers or stakeholder groups are identified as taking positions in the available materials.