Several more states are looking to pass fake meat labeling laws in their state legislative sessions in 2020, which could increase the urgency for federal legislation. Nebraska Cattlemen Association Vice President of Legal and Government Affairs Jessie Herrmann says this is creating a patchwork of regulations that will make it difficult for retailers to operate and for companies to participate in interstate commerce.

She says that is why they are backing the Real MEAT Act which would create federal labeling standards prohibiting plant-based or cell-cultured products from using meat nomenclature. Herrmann says they believe it has a good chance of passing in the new year.

Meanwhile, Nebraska state lawmakers will also re-introduce a fake meat labeling bill that was not considered in the 2019 session.

Herrmann says states that already passed labeling laws are having trouble getting them enforced. However, the Real MEAT Act also has a strong enforcement component to avoid artificial products unfairly undercutting real meat.