The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association petitioned the USDA to establish label requirements for laboratory-grown meat and alternative proteins, said the weekly Tri-State Livestock News, of Belle Fourche, S.D. “We look forward to working with the agency to rectify the misleading labeling of ‘beef’ products that are made with plant or insect protein or grown in a Petri dish,” said USCA president Kenny Graner.
So-called clean meat could be headed for grocery stores in the near future. Two of the largest U.S. food processors, Tyson Foods and Cargill, have invested in Memphis Meats, which intends to grow meat from animal cells. Tyson also has invested in a company that produces plant-based proteins.
“U.S. cattle producers take pride in developing the highest quality, and safest, beef in the world, and labels must clearly distinguish that difference,” said Graner. Tri-State Livestock News said, “While producers are confident that the lab-grown meats will not compare to the home grown, there is some concern over the labeling.”