REAL Butter Act

Bill Number

H.R. 9387

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-06-22: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2026-07-06T16:56:45Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose The legislation aims to protect consumer choice by requiring clear labeling for certain butter-like products made through non-traditional methods, ensuring they are not marketed as standard butter without disclosure.

Key Provisions

• The bill amends Section 403 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 343) by adding a new subsection (z).
• It states that a product is considered misbranded if it is a "synthesized butter product" or contains such a product and its label does not include the phrase "lab-created butter" immediately before the product name (or "contains lab-created butter" if it includes the product).
• Defines "synthesized butter product" as a product marketed as butter that uses milkfat from synthesized, non-agricultural processes and does not meet the official standard of identity for butter.
• Defines "butter" by referencing the existing definition in the Act of March 4, 1923 (42 Stat. 1500).
• The short title is the "Recognizing Engineered Alternatives as Lab-Created Butter Act" or "REAL Butter Act."

Significant Changes to Existing Law This introduces a new mandatory labeling rule specifically for lab-created butter alternatives that do not meet traditional butter standards. It builds on the existing misbranding framework in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act without altering the core 1923 butter standard of identity.

Potential Impacts

• Government agencies: The Food and Drug Administration would gain authority to enforce the new labeling requirement through inspections and potential enforcement actions.
• Citizens: Consumers would receive more specific information about product origins, potentially aiding informed purchasing decisions.
• International relations: No direct effects are outlined in the bill, though it could indirectly influence imports of similar products if they enter U.S. commerce.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Food manufacturers and producers of lab-created or synthesized butter alternatives.
• Traditional dairy industry participants who produce or market standard butter.
• Consumers purchasing butter or butter-like products.
• The Food and Drug Administration as the primary enforcement body.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill operates within Congress's authority to regulate interstate commerce and food labeling under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. It raises no apparent constitutional concerns in the text, such as challenges to free speech or federal power limits. Politically, it focuses on distinguishing traditional agricultural products from engineered alternatives through mandatory disclosures.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Wied, Tony [R-WI-8]

Cosponsors (10)

Rep. Riley, Josh [D-NY-19], Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Rose, John W. [R-TN-6], Rep. Schweikert, David [R-AZ-1], Rep. Tiffany, Thomas P. [R-WI-7], Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10], Rep. Steil, Bryan [R-WI-1], Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12], Rep. Taylor, David J. [R-OH-2]

Recent Actions

• 2026-06-22: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2026-06-22: Introduced in House
• 2026-06-22: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Recognizing Engineered Alternatives as Lab-Created Butter Act — issued 2026-06-22 — PDF (2 pages)