FAIR Labels Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Alford, Mark [R-MO-4]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would create a federal framework to regulate and label cell-cultivated and plant-based protein products so consumers can tell them apart. It centers on clear naming rules and a split of responsibilities between the Department of Agriculture and Health and Human Services.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 5 mixed.
Identity rules for alternative proteins
If enacted, the Agriculture Secretary, working with HHS, would have 180 days to write common identity standards for cell-cultivated and plant-based protein products. The standards would have to follow the new legal definitions in the meat, poultry, and food laws. If you make or sell these products, those standards would guide how you name and label them.
Label rules for cell-cultivated meat and poultry
If enacted, the bill would apply meat and poultry inspection laws to cell-cultivated products and set clear labeling rules. Labels would have to show the words "cell-cultivated" immediately next to the product name and state the product is derived from sources other than meat or poultry. Labels would also need a clear disclaimer that the product is not derived from naturally produced meat or a live bird. Labels must be prominent, legible, and likely to be read under normal purchase conditions.
Labels for plant-based protein products
If enacted, plant-based alternative protein labels would have to include the phrase "plant-based alternative protein product" in uniform size immediately followed by the food name. Labels would also have to say prominently and legibly that the product is not derived from real meat or poultry from a live animal or bird. If you make or sell these foods, you would need to update labels to meet these requirements.
Legal definitions for alternative proteins
If enacted, the bill would add new legal definitions for cell-cultivated protein products under the meat and poultry laws and for plant-based alternative protein products under the food law. Cell-cultivated definitions cover foods made from animal cell culture or DNA grown outside a live animal or bird. The plant-based definition covers foods made from plants that look, taste, or feel like meat and are manufactured to appear as meat.
New rules for cell-cultivated products
If enacted, the Agriculture and Health/Human Services Secretaries would revise their 2019 agreement within 90 days to split duties for cell-cultivated products. HHS (FDA) would run premarket consultations, oversee tissue collection and qualified cell banks, and watch cell growth up to harvest. HHS would also enforce facility registration, good manufacturing practices, preventive controls, and inspections. USDA would carry out other activities needed to implement the bill.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Alford, Mark [R-MO-4]
MO • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Flood, Mike [R-NE-1]
NE • R
Sponsored 4/30/2026
Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1]
GA • R
Sponsored 4/30/2026
Pfluger
TX • R
Sponsored 4/30/2026
Simpson
ID • R
Sponsored 4/30/2026
Smith (MO)
MO • R
Sponsored 4/30/2026
Rep. Jackson, Ronny [R-TX-13]
TX • R
Sponsored 4/30/2026
Wied
WI • R
Sponsored 4/30/2026
Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2]
NE • R
Sponsored 5/7/2026
Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1]
KS • R
Sponsored 5/13/2026
McGuire
VA • R
Sponsored 5/13/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov