Rep. Gillespie files bill in North Carolina House to mandate labeling for manufactured-protein foods

A new bill filed by State Rep. Gillespie seeks to ensure transparency in labeling manufactured-protein foods to prevent misbranding and require menu disclosure in restaurants, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 471 on March 20 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Food Labeling Transparency Act.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill mandates clear labeling for manufactured-protein food products, derived from cell-cultured or insect sources, to prevent misbranding. Effective Oct. 1, 2025, labels for such products containing meat or poultry terms must also include a qualifying term like “cell-cultured” or “insect-protein” in close proximity to the product name in prominent type. This requirement applies exclusively to manufacturers, not retailers. Additionally, the bill demands restaurants that serve such food products disclose this on menus. Non-compliance with menu disclosure rules risks permit issues. A severability clause ensures that if any part of the bill is invalidated by courts, the rest remains effective. The bill fully takes effect 30 days post-enactment.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Donnie Loftis proposed the most bills (28) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Gillespie, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2021 to represent the state’s 120th House district, replacing previous state representative Kevin Corbin.