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HB 1155

Food and Food Products - As introduced, prohibits the importation, sale, and distribution of cell-cultured food products in this state. - Amends TCA Title 39; Title 40; Title 44; Title 47 and Title 53.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Susan Lynn

Tennessee bill bans cell-cultured food product importation and sales, blocking lab-grown meat commercialization in the state.

Placed on s/c cal Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee for 3/18/2026
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Bill Summary · HB 1155

Legislative bill overview

HB 1155 would ban the importation, sale, and distribution of cell-cultured (lab-grown) meat and food products within Tennessee. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee code across food safety, agriculture, and commerce regulations to enforce this prohibition.

Why is this important

This represents one of the first state-level bans on cultivated meat technology, which is an emerging food production method aimed at reducing resource use and animal farming. The bill could significantly impact food innovation, consumer choice, and Tennessee's food industry positioning as this technology develops commercially.

Potential points of contention

  • Innovation vs. regulation: Cell-cultured meat is FDA-approved but still in early commercialization; banning it preemptively prevents market testing and consumer access to a developing technology
  • Economic implications: Tennessee agriculture could lose opportunity to participate in a potentially lucrative emerging industry, while existing livestock producers may benefit from reduced competition
  • Interstate commerce concerns: Such bans may create legal challenges under federal commerce clause protections, particularly if other states allow the products
  • Definitional clarity: The bill's scope and what constitutes "cell-cultured" products could create enforcement ambiguities and unintended regulatory consequences

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

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