State Rep. Jerry Neyer on Wednesday introduced a plan, House Bill 4076, to boost transparency around lab-grown products sold in Michigan. Neyer’s plan would require a clear and obvious label on all synthetically lab-grown “meat” products, identifying them as such.

“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,” said Neyer, chair of the House Agriculture Committee. “This plan is just as much about protecting farmers as it is about protecting consumers. Many farmers want a fair but competitive process should lab-grown meat become available. They’re selling beef products with packaging that promotes and explains their products. 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, not once they get home and start wondering why steaks taste funny.”

Nearly two years ago, U.S. regulators approved the sale of lab-grown chicken by two startups in California. While lab-grown meat is not currently available in any U.S. grocery stores, Neyer said it’s important Michigan adopt transparency measures well before these products ever hit the shelves.

“Not many shoppers in my communities are spending time reading the fine print at the grocery store,” said Neyer, R-Shepherd. “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.”

HB 4076 was referred to the House Agriculture Committee for further consideration.

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