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HB 471

Ethics - As introduced, prohibits a person from acting as an agent of a hostile foreign principal unless the person has filed a registration statement with the Tennessee ethics commission; requires each foreign-supported political organization to register with the Tennessee ethics commission. - Amends TCA Title 3, Chapter 6 and Title 4.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jason Zachary

Cell-cultured or insect-protein products that use meat/poultry terms must display a qualifying term near the product name; misbranding if not, with manufacturers responsible.

Placed on s/c cal Public Service Subcommittee for 3/18/2026
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Bill Summary · HB 471

HB 471 — Food Labeling Transparency Act (North Carolina, 2025)

Status: Committee Substitute Favorable 4/1/25; Committee Substitute #2 Favorable 4/8/25
Effective date in bill text: Section(s) implementing labeling changes become effective October 1, 2025 (applies to products sold or offered for sale on or after that date).

Purpose

The bill requires clearer labeling for “manufactured‑protein” products that resemble meat or poultry (specifically cell‑cultured and insect‑based products). Its intent is to prevent consumer confusion by ensuring products that use meat/poultry names also prominently disclose when they are not derived from slaughtered animals.

Key provisions

  • Adds and amends definitions in G.S. 106‑549.15 and 106‑549.51 to define:
    • “Cell‑cultured food product” (cells grown in vitro from animal or poultry sources).
    • “Insect‑protein food product” (products manufactured from insect parts).
    • “Manufactured‑protein food product” (either cell‑cultured or insect‑protein).
    • “Identifying meat term” / “identifying poultry term” (lists common species, cuts and product names that consumers associate with meat or poultry).
    • “Close proximity” (placement rules for disclosure: immediately before/after product name, same line, or within the same phrase/sentence).
    • “Qualifying term” (examples include: “cell‑cultured,” “cultivated,” “lab‑grown,” “insect,” “insect‑protein,” “grown in a lab,” etc.).
  • Creates new G.S. 106‑549.28A requiring that any manufactured‑protein product that uses an identifying meat or poultry term on its label must also include an appropriate qualifying term in prominent type and in close proximity to the product name.
  • Products that fail to meet this labeling requirement are deemed “misbranded.”
  • Enforcement limitation: where a product is deemed misbranded under this section, the Commissioner shall not enforce the referenced statutory prohibition (G.S. 106‑549.23(3)) against any person other than the manufacturer — placing primary enforcement responsibility on manufacturers.

Who is affected

  • Primary: manufacturers of cell‑cultured and insect‑based meat/poultry alternatives (must update labeling/packaging).
  • Secondary: retailers and distributors (will need to ensure supplied products are appropriately labeled but are shielded from certain enforcement actions under the new provision).
  • Consumers: will receive clearer on‑package disclosure distinguishing manufactured‑protein products from conventional meat/poultry.
  • Regulators: Department/Commissioner responsible for oversight and enforcement; implementation timing and compliance monitoring beginning Oct 1, 2025.

Potential impacts

  • Compliance costs for manufacturers (label redesign, packaging runs, supply‑chain changes).
  • Reduced consumer confusion and improved transparency about product origin.
  • Regulatory focus shifted to manufacturers for enforcement of misbranding under this specific provision.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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