Louisiana expands labeling rules for emerging foods

(The Center Square) – Louisiana has enacted a pair of new laws requiring additional disclosures on foods produced through emerging technologies, as state lawmakers push for greater transparency in how products are made and marketed to consumers.

Gov. Jeff Landry signed House Bill 783, now Act 783, on June 8. The law requires products made with dairy proteins produced through microbial fermentation to carry a disclosure stating the product was produced through microbial fermentation and not derived from mammalian lactation.

The measure targets a growing segment of the food industry that uses microorganisms to produce proteins found in conventional dairy products without relying on cows or other milk-producing animals. Under the law, affected products must display a prominent disclosure on packaging identifying how the proteins were produced.

Rep. Kimberly Coates, R-Ponchatoula, said the legislation establishes a legal definition for the products in Louisiana law and ensures consumers have clear information abo...