U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Darren Soto (D-FL) introduced the Food Safety Modernization and Innovative Technologies Act on Thursday.
The bill would formalize regulatory framework for cell-cultured food.
“South Dakota ranchers already produce a safe, quality product, anything lab grown should have to meet the same standards for consumers,” Johnson said in a release. “As cell-cultured foods make way to the supermarket, Americans deserve to know exactly what it is they are feeding their families.”
Earlier in the year, the Trump Administration established an agreement between the USDA and FDA to monitor food and labeling safety.
“The bill leverages the lab and food safety oversight expertise of the FDA and USDA. As cell-cultured meat technologies progress, this bill will ensure thorough agency oversight to protect consumers and the integrity of product claims,” a release from Johnson’s office said.
Under the proposed legislation, the FDA would oversee the lab process and the USDA would oversee processing, packing and labeling.
“As consumers continue to seek alternative meat products, like cell-based meat, it’s more imperative than ever that we create regulations for food substitutes,” Soto said. “We want to ensure Americans are getting the safe product they sign up for when they’re checking out at the grocery store. I’m proud to introduce this bill with Congressman Johnson and excited to have the support of Florida’s cattle ranchers!”