Bill
HB 5058
West Virginia HB 5058 would require restaurants to conspicuously label any menu item containing lab-grown (cultured) ingredients.
HB 5058 (West Virginia, 2026) – Summary
Headline
- Title: Require that notice be provided for any lab-grown food served in restaurants.
- Purpose intent: To require restaurants to disclose when a food item contains or is prepared with lab-grown (cultured) ingredients, ensuring consumer awareness and informed dining choices.
Key provisions and changes (as implied by title)
- Notice requirement: Restaurants must provide conspicuous notice if any lab-grown (cultured) meat or other lab-grown ingredients are served or offered.
- Scope of notice: Applies to all food items on menus or menus-based ordering platforms where lab-grown ingredients are used.
- Form of notice: Likely requires clear labeling on menus, menus boards, digital displays, or accompanying ingredient lists. Specifics (placement, font size, language, and timing) would be detailed in the bill’s text.
- Compliance period: If enacted, there would be a timeline for restaurants to implement the labeling requirement (e.g., a phased timeline or a set compliance deadline).
- Enforcement: Provisions typically include penalties for non-compliance and a mechanism for complaints or inspections (e.g., by health department or consumer protection agencies).
Who is affected
- Primary: Restaurants and food service establishments operating in West Virginia that use lab-grown ingredients in any menu item.
- Indirect: Consumers who dine at or purchase from these establishments, who would receive notice about lab-grown ingredients.
- Industry stakeholders: Suppliers and manufacturers of lab-grown ingredients may be impacted by labeling requirements in the hospitality sector.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Jurisdiction and process: Bill introduced in the West Virginia House of Delegates with a sponsor list and co-sponsors; referred to committee (Health and Human Resources) for consideration.
- Legislative path: Requires committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes in both chambers; final passage would move to the governor for signature or veto.
- Effective date: If enacted, a defined effective date would determine when establishments must begin compliance; transitional provisions may allow for phased implementation.
Context and considerations
- Consumer impact: Increases transparency around the use of lab-grown ingredients, aiding customers who want to avoid or specifically seek such products.
- Industry impact: Creates an additional labeling requirement for restaurants, potentially affecting menu design, training, and quality control processes.
- Policy rationale (inferred): Balances consumer awareness with practical disclosures to ensure informed choices in food sourcing and preparation.
Notes
- The bill’s full text would specify exact definitions (e.g., what constitutes “lab-grown” or “cultured” ingredients), notice methods, and enforcement details. If available, reviewing the sponsor’s statements and committee memo would clarify intent and any exemptions (e.g., incidental use, cross-contamination, minor ingredients).
Sponsors
- Primary and co-sponsors include George Street, J.B. Akers, Michael Amos, Lori Dittman, Erica Moore, Chris Anders, Ryan Browning, and Elliott Pritt.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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