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Bill Summary · HB 2501

Overview

Missouri House Bill 2501 (HB 2501), introduced in the 2026 session, would prohibit the sale or offer for sale of cell-cultured protein for human consumption within Missouri. The bill defines cell-cultured protein, sets enforcement and penalties, and directs the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to promulgate implementing rules. The measure coordinates with existing food, drug, and cosmetic regulatory frameworks and provides cross-reference protections to align with federal standards where applicable.

Main purpose and intent

  • To prohibit the sale or offer for sale of cell-cultured protein for human consumption in Missouri.
  • To provide a regulatory framework for enforcement and penalties related to this prohibition.
  • To empower DHSS to promulgate necessary rules to implement the prohibition, including any standards or procedures not already covered by federal law.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definition (196.010): The bill defines “cell-cultured protein” as a food product derived from harvesting animal cells and artificially replicating them in a growth medium to produce tissue.
  • Prohibition on sale (196.016): The sale or offering for sale of cell-cultured protein for human consumption within Missouri is unlawful and prohibited.
  • Enforcement and penalties (196.016): Violations may be enforced similarly to other sections in the same chapter, with penalties under section 196.025 for violations of 196.015 (i.e., general food/drug/cosmetic enforcement provisions).
  • Regulatory authority (196.045): DHSS is vested with authority to promulgate regulations for efficient enforcement of the applicable sections, with an emphasis on conforming with federal regulations where practicable.
  • Rulemaking standards (196.045-196.050): DHSS must promulgate rules to implement 196.016, including potential requirements beyond federal law, and rules must follow Missouri’s rulemaking process (Chapter 536) and 536.024.
  • Preemption and alignment (196.050): DHSS regulations shall not be more rigid than the federal act’s standards for the covered commodities, and products compliant with federal standards are deemed compliant with Missouri law to the extent applicable.
  • Cross-reference with federal act (265.443): Reinforces that cell-cultured protein cannot be sold for human consumption, with any conflicts resolved in favor of the Missouri provision.

Who or what would be affected

  • Primary: Any entity seeking to produce, distribute, or sell cell-cultured protein intended for human consumption in Missouri.
  • Regulatory: DHSS would be responsible for enforcing the prohibition and promulgating implementing regulations.
  • Consumers: Indirectly affected, as they would be barred from purchasing cell-cultured protein marketed for human consumption in Missouri.
  • Businesses currently involved or considering involvement in cell-cultured protein production or sales (including marketers, retailers, and supply chain actors) would need to adjust to the prohibition and any applicable compliance requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Referred to Emerging Issues (H) as of May 15, 2026.
  • Legislative process steps shown include standard readings and potential amendments; prefiling occurred in late 2025.
  • If enacted, DHSS would promulgate implementing regulations; these rules would follow Missouri’s rulemaking process (Chapter 536) with statutory timelines typical for rulemaking under 536.024.
  • The bill establishes penalties via existing enforcement provisions, treating violations as a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000 and/or up to one year in jail.

Summary verdict

HB 2501 is a targeted regulatory measure that explicitly bans the sale or offer for sale of cell-cultured protein for human consumption in Missouri. It assigns enforcement to DHSS, mandates rulemaking to implement the ban (including any additional requirements beyond federal law), and aligns penalties with existing food/drug/cosmetic enforcement provisions. The bill seeks to ensure uniform compliance by cross-referencing federal standards where applicable while maintaining Missouri-specific regulatory authority.

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

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