Oregon Looking To Address Fake Meat On State Level

The FDA and USDA continue to debate how to identify cell-cultured meat.  Some states, including Oregon are looking at taking the issue into their own hands.  Oregon had proposed legislation narrowing the definition of meat, similar to a Missouri state law.

However, Oregon Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director Jerome Rosa said  after disagreements in the Ag community, all parties decided to back up and try to improve on the current definition.Rosa says it’s important for cattle producers statewide that verbiage is there protecting their product.

“Vague area in what Oregon’s definition of what meat is.  To where this stem-cell culture product could actually come under and meet what our definition is.”

Rosa said one of the main goals is ensuring an educated and confident consumer.

“So our consumers will not be misled or confused about a product that may be blended in, or a product that may be falsely labbled as a product that, you know, a product that our consumers are think is coming from a real live animal.”

Rosa noted the process is a lengthy one, but he feels this is the best avenue to protect producers and consumers into the future.

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