Life at Conception Act

This bill aims to provide equal protection for the right to life of every human being, both born and unborn. It states that the right to life, as guaranteed by the Constitution, applies to every individual of the human species at all stages of life, starting from the moment of fertilization or other instances of inception. However, it clarifies that this Act does not allow the prosecution of a woman for the death of her unborn child.

Short Title: Life at Conception Act

Definitions:

1. Human Person; Human Being: Refers to every member of the human species at all stages of life, including the moment of conception.
2. State: Includes the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and other territories of the United States.

Bill Explanation

This bill, called the "Codifying Useful Regulatory Definitions Act" or the "CURD Act", aims to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act in order to define the term "natural cheese". The bill was introduced by Mr. Gallagher in the House of Representatives on March 27, 2023, and has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

The findings of the bill state that there is a need to define the term "natural cheese" to maintain transparency and consistency for consumers. The term "natural cheese" has been used in the cheese making industry for over 50 years and is well-established.

The bill proposes a definition for "natural cheese" as cheese that is a ripened or unripened soft, semi-soft, or hard product, which may be coated. It specifies that natural cheese is produced by coagulating the protein of milk or milk derivatives, through the use of rennet or other coagulating agents. It also allows for the addition of safe and suitable non-milk derived ingredients permitted in the standards of identity for natural cheese.

The definition of natural cheese provided in the bill excludes certain products such as pasteurized process cheeses, pasteurized process cheese foods, pasteurized cheese spreads, pasteurized process cheese spreads, pasteurized blended cheeses, cold pack cheeses, grated American cheese food, and any other products designated as process cheeses by the Secretary. The term "milk" in this context includes lacteal secretions from animals other than cows.

The bill also proposes labeling requirements, stating that foods cannot be labeled or labeled as "natural cheese" unless they meet the definition of natural cheese provided in the bill. However, it does not prohibit the use of the terms "natural" or "all-natural" or similar claims or statements with respect to a food, as long as it is consistent with regulations, guidance, or policy statements issued by the Secretary.

Lastly, the bill addresses national uniformity for labeling. It amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to include the new labeling requirements for "natural cheese" under section 403(z), ensuring consistency and uniformity across the United States.