A bill introduced Monday would address deceptive labeling practices in alternative protein products, such as plant-based imitators of meat.
Republican Representative Roger Marshall of Kansas, along with New York Democrat Anthony Brindisi, introduced the Real Marketing Edible Artificial Truthfully, or Real MEAT Act.
The legislation would codify the definition of beef for labeling purposes, reinforce existing misbranding provisions to eliminate consumer confusion, and enhance enforcement measures available to the Department of Agriculture if the Food and Drug Administration fails to take appropriate action.
Marshall says alternative protein products “have confused many consumers with misleading packaging and creative names for products.”
Brindisi says the bill is “about safety and transparency.” The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association applauded introduction of the legislation.
NCBA President Jennifer Houston says a growing number of fake meat products are “clearly trying to mislead consumers” about what they’re trying to get them to buy, adding “consumers need to be protected from deceptive marketing practices.”
