Oklahoma Meat-Labeling Bill Now Law; Alabama Introduces Similar Measure

Companies making plant-based or cell-cultured proteins can’t use the term “meat” on their product labels in Oklahoma.  MeatingPlace.com said that’s because a bill limiting the use of the term is now law.  The Oklahoma Governor signed a bill that prohibits “persons advertising or selling food plans or carcasses from engaging in certain misleading or deceptive practices” on product labels.  The Oklahoma legislature overwhelmingly passed the bill last week.

It defines “meat” as the “edible portion of livestock, poultry, or captive cervid (deer) carcasses, or any part thereof.”  The bill’s sponsors see it as a way to protect the state’s cattle ranchers, as well as the consumers who might not understand the difference between meat from animals and other forms of alternative proteins with the label “meat” on their packaging.  Oklahoma is one of several states that have passed or at least are considering similar legislation covering labeling practices.

Alabama is the latest state to introduce similar legislation.  A bill was introduced recently in the Alabama state house that would prohibit food containing animal tissue produced from cell cultures from being labeled as meat or a meat food product.

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