Alt meat conversation topics

Labeling Changes Afoot

Policy is often slow to catch up to new products and technologies; for alternative protein, labeling is the biggest sticking point. Given the importance of labeling for brand management, companies should closely monitor developments in the state and federal rules.

  • On Aug. 11, a U.S. District Court judge ruled in favor of Miyoko’s Creamery against the California Department of Food and Agriculture, concluding that labeling plant-based products “vegan butter” is not misleading commercial speech. He explained, “Quite simply, language evolves.”
  • The judgment set a precedent for relying on clarity of labeling and away from strict reliance on FDA’s standards of identity.
  • However, the judgment failed to prevent the American Butter Institute from disputing the clarity of labeling on other plant-based product packages.

In the past month, analysis of Intel Distillery data showed that health and sourcing concerns took a back seat to channel availability.

  • Panda Express tested Beyond Orange Chicken at 10 New York City and Los Angeles locations.
  • Pizza Hut piloted Beyond Pepperoni pizza in five U.S. cities.
  • Baja Fresh Mexican Grill rolled out three Impossible Foods products.

This content was developed in partnership with Alt-Meat, a multimedia brand covering a myriad of topics in the meat alternatives market from a business point of view. For more information, visit Alt-Meat.net.