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Cattle groups applaud introduction of Real MEAT Act

Two cattle groups are expressing support of a new piece of legislation to regulate the labeling of artificial meat.

Lia Biondo with the US Cattleman’s Association tells Brownfield the Real MEAT Act of 2019 would clear up consumer confusion from misbranding.

“The text of the bill states that any imitation meat food product needs to bear the word ‘imitation’ immediately before or after the name in the same font and in the same place on the package.”

Danielle Beck with the National Cattleman’s Beef Association says with a full congressional calendar, the chances of passing the bill this year are slim, but the introduction alone sends a strong message to the FDA.

“It could perhaps influence their decision making so that they do meaningfully enforce these imitation misbranding provisions for products that are not real beef.”

Beck and Biondo say both groups are working to keep the issue a priority through the impeachment discussions and appropriations process, but they encourage producers to contact their legislators about the bill in the coming weeks.

The Real MEAT (Marketing Edible Artificials Truthfully) Act of 2019 was introduced in the US House by Representatives Roger Marshall of Kansas and Anthony Brindisi of New York. Beck and Biondo say both groups are pushing for the Senate to introduce a companion bill.