Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33)
Imagine sitting down for a meal with your family, confident that the food on your plate is exactly as nature intended – fresh, unaltered and free from hidden substances. Now, imagine discovering that biotechnology experiments could lead to vaccines or pharmaceutical compounds being introduced into your food without your knowledge or consent.
This is not just a hypothetical scenario; it’s a growing concern as scientific advancements blur the lines between medicine and agriculture. That’s why I am introducing the Food Purity Protection Act, a crucial piece of legislation that will ensure that Pennsylvania’s food remains pure, natural and free from any unauthorized or inadvertent inclusion of vaccines or vaccine-related substances.
In recent years, the agricultural sector has witnessed significant advancements, particularly in the development of mRNA vaccines for livestock. These innovations have raised concerns about the presence of vaccine components in the human food supply. The introduction of mRNA vaccines in livestock has led to legislative proposals in various states. For instance, in 2023, Tennessee lawmakers considered bills to ban mRNA vaccines or require labeling of meat from animals treated with such vaccines. These proposals were driven by public concerns about the presence of vaccine components in the food supply, resulting in potential health injury.
This legislation is critical. Across the country, concerns are also rising about genetically engineered crops and the possibility of pharmaceuticals making their way into our food supply. Some research is already exploring ways to modify plants to deliver vaccine components through food. While biotechnology has its place, our food supply should never become a testing ground for experimental medical interventions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have stated that vaccines should not be a part of food products. Yet, as technology evolves, the risk of such practices increases. The Food Purity Protection Act will establish clear safeguards to prevent any contamination of our food supply with vaccine components so every Pennsylvanian knows exactly what they are eating.
The Food Purity Protection Act is designed to protect the integrity of Pennsylvania’s food supply using a three-pronged approach. First, it would ban the inclusion of vaccines or vaccine-related substances in any food product – whether processed or unprocessed – intended for human or animal consumption.
Second, it would prohibit the sale, storage, production, transportation or distribution of any agricultural product containing vaccine components, including livestock feed and crops.
Finally, it would prioritize transparency and consumer choice so that Pennsylvanians can be confident in the purity and safety of their food.
This legislation ensures that medical interventions remain a personal choice and are never unknowingly ingested through food.
We must defend food purity in Pennsylvania. Our state has long been known for its rich agricultural heritage and commitment to high-quality, natural food production. We must protect this legacy so future generations can trust the food they eat. Simply put, don’t tamper with our food.
I urge my fellow legislators to stand with Pennsylvania’s farmers, families and consumers by co-sponsoring the Food Purity Protection Act. This is our chance to preserve the sanctity of our food supply, uphold consumer rights and prevent unwanted medical substances from ever reaching our tables.
The food we eat should be a source of nourishment, not a vehicle for pharmaceutical experiments. Let’s act now to keep Pennsylvania’s food pure, natural and free from unwanted additives.
The future of our food, our families and our freedom depends on it.
Sen. Doug Mastriano represents the 33rd Senatorial District, covering all of Adams and Franklin counties.