We recently told you, in another article, about how the U.S. Cattleman’s Association put forth a petition to the USDA that would require specific types of labeling and ban meat substitutes like Veggie Burgers, the new labarotary grown “meat” and…insect protein from using words like “beef” and “meat” in their labeling because they see it as fraudulent and misleading.
…Calling products “clean meat,” “cultured meat” or “lab grown beef” constitutes unfair or deceptive trade practices, they (USCA) claim. Beyond Meat is a plant-based protein producer that manufactures its products in factories without using animals, but its “Beyond Burger” is so “meat-like” that it frequently sits in the grocery store meat aisle. But Ethan Brown, the founder and CEO of Beyond Meat, told CNBC that consumers aren’t confused by the labeling and that they know what they’re looking for when they’re out shopping for meat.
But the president of the USCA further clarified his remarks the other day when he said…
We hope that NCBA and other agriculture groups will all work together in ensuring that plant- and insect-based protein alternatives and lab-cultured products are not labeled as “beef” or “meat.” The terms “beef” and “meat” should remain designated to defining muscle that is harvested from live animals. While at this time, alternative protein sources are not a direct threat to the beef industry, we do see improper labeling of these products as fraudulent and misleading.
