Joco Today

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and Representative Mark Alford have introduced the Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation on Labels Act of 2024. This bipartisan and bicameral legislation aims to promote transparency and clarify labeling requirements for plant-protein and cell-cultured protein products. The goal is to provide consumers with accurate information when purchasing groceries for themselves and their families.

The FAIR Labels Act has garnered support from other lawmakers as well. Representatives Don Davis, Roger Williams, and Jonathan Jackson have all joined as co-sponsors of the bill. Senator Marshall emphasized the importance of consumer understanding, stating, "Consumers deserve to be able to easily understand what products they are putting in their grocery cart." He added that it should be clear on the label if a product is lab-grown or made from plant protein.

Representative Alford echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for clear labeling for the sake of consumer knowledge and choice. He stated, "The American consumer deserves to know what they are eating and feeding their families." Representative Alford also highlighted the importance of fair labeling laws, citing Missouri as the first state to pass marketing with integrity legislation.

Other lawmakers have expressed their support for the bill as well. Representative Don Davis emphasized the importance of consistency in packaging for meat products, stating, "It is important we continue to have that consistency in packaging for meat products." Representative Roger Williams stressed the importance of a level playing field in the agriculture industry and the need for accurate labeling of lab-grown and cell-cultured products.

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) has also voiced support for the FAIR Labels Act. NCBA President Todd Wilkinson stated, "America's farmers and ranchers work hard every day to bring a high-quality, wholesome product to market. We're not afraid of a little competition, but it is unfair for lab-grown or plant-based fake meat products to trade on beef's good name."

Other industry associations, such as the National Chicken Council and the National Pork Producers Council, have also expressed their support for accurate labeling of imitation alternatives. Mike Brown, President of the National Chicken Council, stated, "According to consumer research, one in five Americans have reported accidentally purchasing a plant-based product, believing it to be real chicken." Scott Hays, President of the National Pork Producers Council, emphasized the importance of accurate labeling for consumer confidence and recognition of the hard work of pork producers.

Support for the FAIR Labels Act extends beyond industry associations. Peter Orwick, Executive Director of the American Sheep Industry (ASI), stated, "ASI is pleased to support this legislation as it addresses a critical need to accurately update labels to the protein choices consumers have today." Ted McKinney, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), also expressed support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of clarity and consumer confidence in labeling.

The FAIR Labels Act has received endorsements from various organizations, including the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, National Chicken Council, American Sheep Industry Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, and the National Pork Producers Council.

This legislation builds upon Senator Marshall's previous work in this area. In 2019, he introduced the REAL MEAT Act, which aimed to establish labeling requirements for cell-cultured meat products. He has also been a co-sponsor of the Dairy Pride Act, which seeks to promote transparency in the dairy industry.

The FAIR Labels Act is an important step towards ensuring that consumers have accurate and transparent information when making purchasing decisions. By clarifying labeling requirements for imitation meat products, this legislation aims to protect consumer rights and support fair competition in the market.