Senators advanced LB246 from first round debate, which bans lab-grown protein from being produced or ...

Senators advanced LB246 from first round debate, which bans lab-grown protein from being produced or sold in Nebraska. LB246 was introduced by Sen. DeKay on behalf of Gov. Pillen and has been prioritized.

As introduced, LB246 would prohibit the manufacture, distribution, and sale of cultured protein products in Nebraska. This measure defines cultured products to mean an adulterated food product which would be prohibited under the Pure Food Act, as well as subject to remedies under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

Nebraska Farm Bureau supports a free and open market and believes that there is a much better option than LB246. LB658 (Sen. Andersen) and AM882 (Sen. Conrad) provide labeling and advertising requirements for manufactured-protein food products. Proper labeling, as opposed to an outright ban on manufactured-protein food products, respects and promotes consumer choice. LB658 and AM882 also provide repercussions for manufacturers who violate the labeling requirements, preventing them from marketing their products in Nebraska if they do not follow the law.

Nebraska Farm Bureau thanks the 155 members who responded to our action alert by sending a letter to their senator and Gov. Pillen letting them know they support stringent labeling requirements of lab-grown protein and penalties for lack of compliance; and they oppose the ban of lab-grown proteins as proposed in LB246.