Indiana Ag Connection - National/World News - Real MEAT Act Introduced to End Deceptive Labeling

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Real MEAT Act Introduced to End Deceptive Labeling
USAgNet - 12/12/2019

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Wednesday introduced the Real MEAT Act to end deceptive labeling practices for alternative protein products. The bill would clarify the definition of beef for labeling purposes, eliminate consumer confusion resulting from misbranding, and ensure that the federal government is able to enforce the law.

"Beef is derived from cattle--period. Under USDA, beef undergoes a rigorous inspection and labeling process, but plant-based protein products that mimic beef and are sometimes labeled as beef are overseen by the FDA instead. These products are not held to the same food safety and labeling standards as beef. Americans deserve to know what's on their dinner plate. The Real MEAT Act will protect consumers from deceptive marketing practices and bring transparency to the grocery store," said Senator Fischer.

"It's clear that fake-meat companies are continuing to mislead consumers about the nutritional merits and actual ingredient composition of their products. We commend the efforts of Senator Fischer on introducing this legislation, which would end deceptive labeling of fake meat products and allow cattle producers to compete on a level playing field," said National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) President Jennifer Houston.

"The Nebraska Cattlemen thank Senator Fischer for her leadership on the Real MEAT Act. Real beef, raised by actual farmers and ranchers in the state of Nebraska creates $13.8 billion total economic impact to our state. Protecting the legacy of these farmers and ranchers by ensuring imitation proteins do not capitalize on beef's good name and reputation is, and will continue to be, a priority for the Nebraska Cattlemen," said Nebraska Cattlemen President Ken Herz.

The NCBA found in a study that 55% of consumers did not understand that "plant-based beef" wasn't beef at all, but instead an entirely vegan or vegetarian product. This bill would help to clear the confusion by codifying a definition of beef for labeling purposes and allowing the USDA to take action against misbranded products.

The Real MEAT Act would codify the definitions of "beef" and "beef products." It would further ensure that imitation meat products have the word "imitation" in the same size and prominence immediately before or after the name of the food and a statement clearly indicating that the product does not contain meat. Lastly, it would strengthen the government's ability to enforce the law by requiring that the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) submit notice within 60 days to the Secretary of Agriculture if a product is found to be mislabeled as beef. If HHS fails to do so, the Secretary of Agriculture would be allowed to treat the product as mislabeled.

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