Plant-based protein coalition fights back on label challenge

A group of companies at the forefront of the plant-based protein movement is pushing back against calls by the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) and others to change how they label their products. The Good Food Institute (GFI) is among those asking USDA to reject a petition from USCA urging the agency to limit the terms “beef” and “meat” to products made from slaughtered cattle, versus those originating from plants. GFI and its partners contend that USCA’s action is an attempt to reduce competition from a growing lineup of plant-based protein products and foods made from animal cells, or “clean meat.”In a letter to USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), GFI said the USCA proposal asks the agency to go beyond its statutory authority because the label designations would not actually protect consumers.