HB 10: Ohio Strengthens Labeling Rules for Imitation Meat and Egg Products, and Modernizes State Agriculture Regulations
Summary
HB 10 was enacted in December 2025 and takes effect on March 20, 2026. The law establishes new rules for how plant-based, insect-based, and lab-grown alternatives to meat and eggs can be labeled and sold in Ohio. It prohibits food processors from using traditional meat or egg terms unless they clearly disclose that the product is an imitation or manufactured protein. It bars K-12 schools and state colleges from purchasing misbranded or cultivated-protein foods, and directs state agencies to seek federal waivers to keep such products out of programs like WIC and SNAP.
Additionally, the bill updates a wide range of agricultural and pesticide laws by modernizing definitions, expanding training and licensing standards for pesticide applicators, increasing record-keeping and inspection requirements, and granting the Department of Agriculture clearer authority to regulate pesticide use, enforce safety standards, and issue civil penalties.
