AHI Position on Arizona’s mRNA Labeling Legislation

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April 14, 2024 — AHI encourages Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs to veto SB 1146, a bill that disparages life-saving vaccine technology by allowing food products from aquaculture, livestock, and poultry to be labeled “mRNA free” if the animals did not receive mRNA vaccinations. 

Labeling food mRNA free would be sending a false message to consumers. Since mRNA is an essential component of all living organisms, labeling food products “mRNA free” is not only misleading to Arizona consumers it is also scientifically inaccurate. mRNA does not linger in the body after it is used, and mRNA vaccines cannot intermingle with or change the genetic material of the person or animal receiving the vaccine. Prohibiting veterinarians from using proven, effective therapies to respond to animal disease outbreaks is a far more dangerous threat to Arizona agriculture than misplaced concerns about mRNA.

Read more in the full editorial in the Arizona Capitol Times.