Australia is reviewing its legislation linked to the trans-Tasman Food Standards Australia New Zealand authority in a bid to reverse the way it allows plant proteins and non-dairy milks to use animal descriptors.
Plant-based burger patties. Photo: 123RF
An inquiry carried out in the Australian Senate has made several recommendations to the government.
The Senators are also worried plant proteins are being placed too close to animal proteins in supermarkets.
National Party Senator Susan McDonald, a Queenslander who chaired the inquiry into the definition of meat, has warned that when cultured meat hits the market, it needs to be clearly discernible from meat grown in a paddock.
Since June, the Senate inquiry has been investigating the labelling of non-animal proteins in the meat and dairy sectors.
The inquiry generated significant interest from farmers, livestock groups, plant-based food companies and vegetarian groups, with more than 200 individuals and groups making submissions.
In its final report, handed down on Thursday, the inquiry made nine recommendations, including that a regulatory framework for labelling plant-based protein products be established.
It also recommended a national standard be developed to restrict the use of "meat category brands" to animal protein products.
"We are advising that a current review being undertaken of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act also include reversing its allowance of plant proteins and non-dairy milks to use animal descriptors," Senator McDonald said in a statement.
"We also recommend that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission act on concerns plant proteins are placed too close to animal proteins in stores."
McDonald said the report was not intended as an attack on vegans and vegetarians.
"All we're suggesting is that, like margarine makers did by choosing a name that didn't contain butter, plant protein marketers come up with ways to promote their products without trading on animal names and imagery.
"The same goes for cultured meat. When that eventually hits the market, it needs to be clearly discernible from meat grown in a paddock, so we are recommending the government get involved now in regulating meat definitions."
- ABC