Washington, D.C. – This week, Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) joined 20 of his House colleagues in cosponsoring H.R. 4881- the Real MEAT Act, a bipartisan bill addressing deceptive labeling practices in alternative protein products.  

“Consumers shouldn’t have to second guess food labels when shopping for groceries,” said Congressman Lucas. “Plant-based protein products have the potential to confuse consumers especially when they are marketed in a deceptive way. Oklahoma’s cattle producers must be able to compete on a fair and transparent playing field and consumers need to be rightly and safely informed about the products they’re purchasing. I’m proud to cosponsor this bill ensuring that consumers can be confident that the meat products they’re buying is indeed real beef.”

Oklahoma is home to thousands of hardworking cattlemen and women.

“The Real MEAT Act is important to protect the integrity of our product – beef!  Consumers want to know that they are purchasing real beef raised and cared for by cattle men and women rather than some alternative plant or lab-based product,” said Michael Kelsey, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President. OCA members are very grateful to Congressman Lucas for signing onto the Real MEAT act as a co-sponsor to help lead this important legislation through Congress.”

Background:

The Real MEAT Act will codify the definition of beef for labeling purposes, reinforce existing misbranding provisions to eliminate consumer confusion, and enhance enforcement measures available to the USDA if the FDA fails to take appropriate action.

Oklahoma is home to 77,300 farm operations, including 52,048 beef cattle operations. 

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