East Michigan News

State Representative Jerry Neyer has introduced House Bill 4076, aimed at increasing transparency regarding lab-grown meat products sold in Michigan. The proposed legislation mandates clear labeling on all synthetically lab-grown "meat" items to ensure consumers are informed about what they are purchasing.

Neyer, who chairs the House Agriculture Committee, emphasized the importance of consumer awareness: “Regardless of how you feel about lab-grown meat, we should all be able to agree that the public shouldn’t have to go digging just to know what they’re buying and consuming.” He further noted that the plan is designed to protect both farmers and consumers by ensuring a fair competitive process as lab-grown meat becomes available. Neyer stated, “Scientists manufacturing lab-grown ‘meat’ should have to work within the same requirements. If they’re going to sell it, people should know what they’re buying as soon as they look at the packaging.”

The introduction of this bill follows nearly two years after U.S. regulators approved the sale of lab-grown chicken by two startups in California. Although these products are not yet available in U.S. grocery stores, Neyer believes it is crucial for Michigan to implement transparency measures before such products reach consumers.

Neyer highlighted the practical challenges faced by shoppers: “Not many shoppers in my communities are spending time reading the fine print at the grocery store,” he said. “When you’re running the kids around, have chores to do at home, and just got done with a long day of work – the last thing you want to do is investigate whether hamburger came from a cow or a test tube.”

House Bill 4076 has been referred to the House Agriculture Committee for further deliberation.