The Florida Senate on Wednesday approved a bill that would require food products containing vaccine ingredients to be clearly labeled and ban the use of fruits and vegetables to deliver mRNA vaccines.

The proposal, Senate Bill 196, sponsored by Sen. Joe Gruters, would classify any food that contains a vaccine or vaccine material as a drug under state law. The bill would require those products to carry a label stating “contains vaccine or vaccine material” and note that the food is regulated under the Florida Drug and Cosmetic Act. If not labeled accordingly, the product would be considered misbranded and subject to enforcement.

“Thanks to the leadership of President Trump, more Americans are paying closer attention to their health now more than ever,” said Gruters. “This legislation enhances transparency to help protect Floridians from untested, experimental processes to genetically modify their food with potentially dangerous mRNA vaccines. I am proud to see this legislation move forward as we work to make America healthy again!”

The bill also prohibits the use of fruits or vegetables as a delivery system for mRNA vaccines, a preemptive step aimed at addressing ongoing research into plant-based vaccine technologies. While no such vaccines are currently approved, lawmakers cited growing concerns about the potential for genetic modifications in food.

“As a farmer, I know all too well the healing properties that many foods possess. Food certainly can be medicine,” said Senate President Ben Albritton. “However, many Floridians have genuine concerns about the practice of genetically engineering foods to contain experimental vaccines. The families across our state deserve to know what is in the food they eat. This legislation ensures transparency in our food supply.”

The legislation goes beyond food, adding new requirements for cosmetic manufacturers. Starting July 1, 2026, companies would be required to publicly disclose, via a company website, whether their products contain certain chemicals, including formaldehyde, PFAS, mercury, triclosan, and lead or lead compounds at levels of 10 parts per million or more. Products that release formaldehyde would be banned unless the chemical is naturally present and serves no functional purpose.

“Many cosmetics contain chemicals that have been linked to serious health issues, including cancer and infertility, when used consistently over extended periods of time. Without clear information, consumers may unknowingly use these products which may pose risks to their longterm health,” Sen. Alexis Calatayud, who co-sponsored the bill, said. “This bill is a big step forward for consumer transparency and will help Floridians have a better idea of exactly what chemicals are in the cosmetic products they are using on a daily basis, so they can make informed choices.”