OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) – A bill banning the manufacture and sale of meat cultivated in laboratories passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
House Bill 2829, written by Rep. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, makes it illegal to manufacture, sell, hold or offer for sale any cultivated meat product, also known as lab-grown meat, in Oklahoma.
HB 2829 passed the House with a 72-18 vote.
Burns said his bill protects Oklahoma’s farming and ranching industry.
“Oklahoma has a proud agricultural heritage and this bill is about protecting our ranchers, farmers and consumers from an unregulated and potentially misleading industry,” Burns said. “Real meat comes from real animals and we want to ensure that Oklahoma’s food supply remains transparent and safe for our citizens.”
If the bill is signed into law, violations would be deemed a misdemeanor offense.
“Any person who violates this will be found guilty of a misdemeanor upon conviction,” the bill states.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health can adopt rules to enforce the ban as well as create exemptions for research by governmental entities or colleges and universities.
Cultured animal cells, rather than traditional livestock, are used to produce cultivated meat. HB 2829 supporters contend that banning its sale will protect the integrity of Oklahoma’s meat industry and prevent consumer confusion.
HB 2829 heads to the Senate for consideration.
