PRIA Logo™
119-s-4464119th CongressWALLET

FAIR Labels Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Ricketts, Pete [R-NE]

Introduced

Summary

The FAIR Labels Act would require _clear, consistent labeling_ to distinguish cell-cultivated proteins and plant-based meat and poultry alternatives from conventional products. It would also assign regulatory roles to USDA and HHS (FDA) and set deadlines for new standards.

Show full summary
  • Consumers would get prominent, specific labels. Cell-cultivated products must say “cell-cultivated,” note they come from sources other than meat or poultry, and disclaim they are not from a live animal or bird. Plant-based items must use the term “plant-based alternative protein product” and state they do not contain naturally produced meat or poultry.
  • Producers would face aligned rules. Cell-cultivated meats and poultry would be treated under the Federal Meat Inspection Act and Poultry Products Inspection Act so meat labeling and safety rules apply, while plant-based definitions move into the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act framework.
  • Regulators would follow a timed plan. The bill would require an updated USDA–HHS memorandum of understanding within 90 days and development of common standards of identity within 180 days. HHS (FDA) would oversee premarket review of cell lines, inputs, and manufacturing controls while USDA implements labeling and inspection duties.

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Clear labels for cell-cultivated meat

If enacted, packages of cell-cultivated meat and poultry would have to show the words "cell-cultivated" next to the product name. Labels would also have to state the product is derived from sources other than meat or poultry and include a clear disclaimer that it is not naturally produced meat from a live animal or bird. The bill would make meat and poultry inspection rules apply to these products the same way they apply to conventional meat and poultry. These labeling rules would take effect upon enactment.

Labels for plant-based meat alternatives

If enacted, plant-based products that mimic meat or poultry would have to carry the phrase "plant-based alternative protein product" immediately followed by the product name. Labels would also need a clear, prominent statement that the product is not derived from, and does not contain, naturally produced meat or poultry from a live animal or bird. These labeling rules would take effect upon enactment.

Common identity rules for alternative proteins

If enacted, USDA and HHS would be required to make common identity rules for cell-cultivated and plant-based protein products. The agencies would finish those rules not later than 180 days after enactment. The rules would match the new definitions in the meat, poultry, and food laws. This would give manufacturers clear naming rules and shoppers more consistent product information.

New oversight for cell-cultivated proteins

If enacted, Agriculture and Health would revise their 2019 agreement within 90 days to assign roles for cell-cultivated products. HHS (FDA) would run premarket checks on materials and cell banks, oversee tissue collection and culturing up to harvest, and develop facility and process requirements. USDA would carry out activities to implement the law. Producers of cell-cultivated products would face more premarket review and inspections.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Ricketts, Pete [R-NE]

NE • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA]

    PA • D

    Sponsored 4/30/2026

  • Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY]

    WY • R

    Sponsored 5/20/2026

  • Sen. Hyde-Smith, Cindy [R-MS]

    MS • R

    Sponsored 6/2/2026

  • Sen. Fischer, Deb [R-NE]

    NE • R

    Sponsored 6/10/2026

  • Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]

    MS • R

    Sponsored 6/18/2026

  • Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL]

    AL • R

    Sponsored 6/22/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
Back to Legislation