OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives has passed a measure prohibiting the manufacture and sale of cultivated meat products in the state.

House Bill 2829, authored by Rep. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, would make it unlawful to manufacture, sell, hold or offer for sale any cultivated meat product in Oklahoma. Violators would be guilty of a misdemeanor upon conviction and food sellers could face suspension or revocation of their licenses. The measure allows the Oklahoma State Department of Health to adopt rules for enforcement and provides an exemption for research conducted by governmental entities or institutions of higher education. 

"Oklahoma has a proud agricultural heritage and this bill is about protecting our ranchers, farmers and consumers from an unregulated and potentially misleading industry," Burns said. "Real meat comes from real animals and we want to ensure that Oklahoma's food supply remains transparent and safe for our citizens." 

Cultivated meat, also known as lab-grown meat, is produced from cultured animal cells rather than traditional livestock. Supporters of HB2829 argue that banning its sale in Oklahoma will protect the integrity of the state's meat industry and prevent consumer confusion. 

HB2829 passed the House 72-18 and now moves to the Senate for consideration.