Chile: New law that redefines the name of meat to give clarity to consumers
The legislation, which now heads to the House of Representatives for review and final approval, seeks to ensure that consumers have a clear idea of what they are purchasing. This project is in line with similar initiatives in European countries and with the recent announcement made by the French government about its new legislation in this regard.
Under the new law, the name "meat" will be reserved exclusively for "the edible part of the muscles of slaughter animals," making it clear that products such as hamburgers, chorizos, and sausages must come from animal sources, unless specified. explicitly its plant origin. This legislative change, promoted by the Agriculture Commission after a deep process of analysis and modification of the original text, seeks to equate Chilean legislation with similar movements observed in Europe and other parts of the world.
The dilemma in the naming of meat products and their vegetable alternatives is a relevant and evolving issue, which has led different countries to implement specific legislation. These laws have the main objective of clarifying product labeling to avoid consumer confusion and protect traditional meat names.
The European Union (EU) has intensely debated the naming of vegetarian and vegan products. Although restrictions on the use of meat names for plant products have been proposed, as of 2023, specific EU-wide rules prohibiting the use of terms such as "burger" or "sausage" for non-meat products had not been implemented as of 2023. However, legislation may vary between Member States.
France has been one of the most proactive European countries in implementing laws banning the use of meat terms for plant products. Since 2020, terms such as "burger", "sausage" or "steak" for products that are not of animal origin are restricted. And on February 27, the French government took an even more concrete step by publishing a decree that prohibits the use of terms such as 'filet', 'sirloin', 'entrecôte', 'ham', 'barbecue' or 'steak', among others. others, in the labeling of foods that contain vegetable proteins. So that operators of plant products can adapt their labeling to the new law, the regulations will come into force within three months in that country. Likewise, the text provides for sanctions in the event of infringement that may be up to 1,500 euros for individuals, and up to 7,500 euros for companies, which will also have a period of one year to dispose of existing stock.
Meanwhile, Germany has maintained a more liberal approach to the naming of plant products. Companies in Germany can use meat terms to describe plant products, as long as they do not mislead the consumer about the origin of the product.
In the United States, several states have introduced laws that regulate the naming of meat and its plant alternatives. These laws typically require that plant-based product labels not use terms traditionally associated with animal meat, although specific enforcement and restrictions may vary. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) are involved in regulating and labeling these products at the federal level.
In other parts of the world, the situation varies widely, with some countries contemplating legislation while others have already implemented specific rules. The global trend indicates a growing debate on how to balance innovation in the food industry with the protection of traditional designations and clarity for consumers.
Rodrigo Castañón, Business Manager of ChileCarne, has shared his perspective on this law, emphasizing the importance of clarity for the consumer. "At ChileCarne we welcome any initiative that aims to provide greater clarity and knowledge to the consumer about the products they consume. It is essential that legislation be based on science and promote a transparent market", said Castañón.
"More than a matter of nomenclature, this bill is a step towards transparency in labeling, which we consider beneficial for both local producers and importers," comments the Business Manager. Furthermore, he highlights the relevance of this legislation in the context of a constantly evolving food market, marked by innovation and new consumer trends.
While the traditional meat industry values clarity and precision in labeling, it also recognizes that there are more significant challenges on the horizon. "While we welcome efforts to clarify labeling, we do not lose sight of other crucial issues for the industry, such as sustainability, innovation in protein production and adaptation to changing consumer preferences", says Castañón.
With this law, Chile not only aligns itself with a global trend towards clearer and more precise labeling but also opens a dialogue on the future of food and the need for a balanced approach that respects both traditions and innovations in the food sector.
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