H.R. 8596: Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation on Labels Act of 2026

This bill, known as the **Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation on Labels Act of 2026** (or **FAIR Labels Act of 2026**), aims to amend existing federal laws to improve labeling practices for meat, poultry, and cell-cultivated protein products, as well as plant-based alternative protein products. Here is a summary of its key provisions:

1. Regulatory Responsibilities

The bill mandates a revised agreement between the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health and Human Services regarding the regulation of cell-cultivated protein products. This revision must happen within 90 days of the bill’s enactment, specifying roles for each department in overseeing the production and safety of these products.

2. Definition of Cell-Cultivated Protein Products

Under this bill, **cell-cultivated protein products** are defined as any food made partially or wholly from animal cell cultures or DNA and grown outside a living animal. This definition is added to both the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act.

3. Labeling Requirements

The bill establishes specific labeling requirements for cell-cultivated protein products:

• The label must prominently include the term "cell-cultivated" next to the product name.
• The label must state that the product is derived from sources other than meat or poultry, depending on the type of product.
• A disclaimer must be included, indicating that the final product does not contain meat or poultry from live animals.

4. Similar Standards for Plant-Based Alternatives

For **plant-based alternative protein products**, the bill specifies that labels must indicate the product is a "plant-based alternative protein product" and clarify that it does not contain naturally produced meat or poultry. This labeling requirement is aimed at ensuring consumers are aware of the nature of the product they are purchasing.

5. Standards of Identity

The Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, is tasked with developing common standards of identity for both cell-cultivated and plant-based alternative protein products within 180 days of the bill becoming law. These standards will help ensure consistency in how these products are defined and labeled.

6. Applicability

The requirements outlined in this bill for cell-cultivated protein products will apply equally to meat and poultry products, ensuring that similar levels of regulatory oversight and consumer information are maintained.

Relevant Companies

• TGT (Target Corporation): Retailer that may see impact on product offerings and labeling strategies in the grocery sector.
• TSN (Tyson Foods, Inc.): Major producer of meat products that could be affected by changes in consumer perceptions regarding cell-cultivated and plant-based proteins.
• PLNT (Planet Fitness): While not directly related, fitness and health trends impact demand for protein sources, including cell-cultivated options.
• COST (Costco Wholesale Corp): Retailer that could have to adjust its labeling and product offerings based on new regulations.