Rep. Ronny Jackson Joins the FAIR Labels Act, Fights for Texas Ranchers and Cattlemen

WASHINGTON - Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) recently co-led the introduction of Rep. Mark Alford's (MO-4) Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation on Labels (FAIR Labels) Act, which will strengthen transparency for consumers and protect Texas ranchers and cattle producers by establishing clear labeling standards for cell-cultivated and plant-based protein products.

"Americans deserve to know exactly what's on their plate. As the representative of Texas' top cattle-producing district, I've seen firsthand the hard work and high standards our ranchers and cattlemen bring to producing the best beef in the world," said Rep. Jackson. "For years, fake meat companies have exploited the reputation built by America's cattle producers to mislead consumers and market fundamentally different products. The FAIR Labels Act ensures clear labeling of cell-cultivated and plant-based products, giving families the transparency needed to make informed choices about their food."

"Food labels should be clear and avoid any attempt to mislead, confuse or misrepresent what is included in the product," said Laphe LaRoe, Chairman of the Texas Cattle Feeders Association. "The FAIR Labels Act requires USDA and FDA to develop food product definitions that will alleviate consumer confusion and provide certainty that the labels on the food we purchase are truthful. TCFA appreciates Rep. Jackson for his work and leadership on this important issue that will benefit beef consumers and cattle producers."

"Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) appreciates Congressman Ronny Jackson's leadership on the Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation (FAIR) on Labels Act," said Russell Boening, President of the Texas Farm Bureau. "This legislation is an important step toward ensuring transparency in the marketplace, protecting the integrity of real meat products, and preventing consumers from being misled. We urge Congress to pass this legislation."

"Currently, there is no federal statute for labeling cell-cultivated protein products in the marketplace," said Gene Copenhaver, President of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. "For far too long, lab-grown protein companies have exploited the use of terms like 'meat' and 'beef' to describe their products, creating the potential for consumer confusion through misleading marketing. The FAIR Labels Act will establish a federal guideline for labeling cell-cultivated and plant-based alternative protein products, ensuring consumers can easily differentiate these products from real beef products produced by U.S. cattlemen and cattlewomen. We thank these members of the House and Senate for their efforts to protect truthful beef labeling and deliver clarity in the marketplace."

Additional cosponsors include Representatives Buddy Carter (GA-01), Mike Flood (NE-01), August Pfluger (TX-11), Mike Simpson (ID-02), Jason Smith (MO-08), and Tony Wied (WI-08).

Bill text can be found here.

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