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HB 2769

Prohibits the sale of cell-cultured protein for human consumption

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brad Pollitt

Missouri would ban selling cell-cultured protein for human consumption and empower DHSS to regulate enforcement, with penalties up to $1,000 or one year in jail.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
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Bill Summary · HB 2769

Summary of HB 2769 (Missouri, 2026)

Main purpose and intent

  • The bill prohibits the sale or offering for sale of cell-cultured protein for human consumption within Missouri.
  • It defines cell-cultured protein and sets enforcement and penalties, aligning with the goal of preventing cell-cultured protein from entering the Missouri market for consumers.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions (Section 196.010)
    • Introduces “cell-cultured protein” as a food product derived from harvesting animal cells and artificially replicating those cells in a growth medium to produce tissue.
    • Retains and clarifies a range of existing terms (e.g., food, drug, labeling, etc.) to fit within the state’s health and safety framework.
  • Prohibition on cell-cultured protein (Section 196.016)
    • Explicitly makes the sale or offering for sale of cell-cultured protein for human consumption unlawful within Missouri.
    • Establishes enforcement parallel to other food and drug statute violations; violations are subject to penalties under Section 196.025 for a violation of Section 196.015 (the general enforcement framework for food, drugs, devices, and cosmetics).
  • Regulatory authority and enforcement (Section 196.045)
    • Transfers authority to promulgate regulations for the enforcement of Sections 196.010 to 196.120 to the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).
    • DHSS is tasked with implementing rules that may go beyond federal law where appropriate and to ensure compliance regardless of federal requirements.
    • Sets procedures for hearings and standard rulemaking requirements (aligned with state administrative procedures and Chapter 536).
  • General conformity with federal standards (Section 196.050)
    • States that, except where Section 196.045 provides otherwise, DHSS regulations must not be more stringent than applicable federal standards for commodities covered by Sections 196.010 to 196.120 and that products complying with federal standards are deemed compliant with state sections.
  • Penalties and enforcement (Section 265.443)
    • The sale or offer for sale of cell-cultured protein for human consumption is prohibited.
    • Violations are subject to penalties and the statute indicates that any conflicting state law would defer to this section.
    • A stated misdemeanor with penalties (per Supporting Documents): up to $1,000 fine or up to one year imprisonment.

Who or what would be affected

  • Producers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and any other parties involved in the sale or offering for sale of cell-cultured protein intended for human consumption in Missouri.
  • The Department of Health and Senior Services would oversee enforcement and the promulgation of implementing regulations.
  • Consumers would be indirectly protected from cell-cultured protein products entering the Missouri market.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Referred to Emerging Issues (H) as of May 15, 2026.
  • Legislative process: Introduced January 7, 2026; read second time January 8, 2026; referred to committee for consideration; potential committee hearings and amendments before floor vote.
  • Effective date: The bill text does not specify an immediate effective date; standard rulemaking and enforcement would begin upon regulatory adoption by DHSS following legislative passage and potential gubernatorial action (typical for state statutes, subject to any explicit or implied effective date in the enacted law).

Additional context

  • The bill mirrors similar prior or contemporary proposals (e.g., HB 2501 from 2026) aimed at restricting cell-cultured protein products at the state level.
  • The text emphasizes alignment with, but possible deviations from, federal standards, granting DHSS authority to implement stricter state requirements if deemed appropriate.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with related bills or draft a one-page briefing for policymakers and stakeholders.

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

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