As agricultural states ban the use of words for plant-based products like cauliflower rice and veggie bacon, the industry is striking back with lawsuits claiming the laws violate their First Amendment rights. Agricultural interests claim the use of these words distorts the reality that meat is from animals and rice is a grain and misleads consumers. (CBS News, July 29, 2019, by Sarah Min)
A plant-based leader, Tofurky Co., filed a lawsuit against an Arkansas law that prevents them from using the work “meat” on the labels of its products. Arkansas’ truth in labeling law would fine companies up to $1000 for each infraction. Tofurky claims the labels are truthful and there is no evidence that the consumer does not kow the products are made from plants. CBS Chicago, July 22, 2019, by the Associated Press)
The Arkansas Farm bureau says the Arkansas law is necessary to differentiate non-meats with actual meals. Other states with laws similar to that of Arkansas include Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Virginia and Wyoming. (Food Dive, July 24, 2019, by Cathy Siegner)
The Kansas City Star editorial board, July 29, 2019, argues that laws regulating labels are not interfering with free speech rights, that standards of identity are necessary to guarantee truth in advertising.
For prior FAC coverage of this issue, click here.