SME Ombudsman to Address Alternative Meat 'Meat' Labeling Controversy...Guideline Discussions Underway

Daejeon·Sejong Small and Medium Venture Business Department 'SOS Talk Meeting'
"Prohibition of Yuk·Meat Labeling" vs "All Intangible Assets Extinguished"
Park Jubong "Guidelines Needed That Do Not Hinder New Industry Development"

Jubong Park, Small and Medium Business Ombudsman.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] The Small and Medium Business Ombudsman is gathering industry opinions on labeling policies related to alternative meat. This move comes as the livestock processing industry, which opposes allowing the term 'meat' on alternative meat products, and alternative meat companies are at odds, prompting consultations to establish guidelines.

On the 14th, the Small and Medium Business Ombudsman held the 'SOS Talk Small Business Meeting' event in Daejeon together with the Daejeon-Sejong Regional Headquarters of the Small and Medium Business Corporation. The event aimed to improve unreasonable regulations faced by small and medium ventures and resolve their difficulties.

The meeting targeted small and medium ventures in the Daejeon-Sejong area and was attended by Ombudsman Park Ju-bong, Lee Sang-chang, head of the Daejeon-Sejong Regional Small and Medium Business Administration, Eom Jin-yeop, head of the Ombudsman Support Group, Kwon Oh-min, head of the Daejeon Regional Headquarters of the Small and Medium Business Corporation, Moon Hyun-seon, head of the Sejong Regional Headquarters, and six company representatives.

A representative of a company producing plant-based alternative protein foods stated, "As the alternative protein market expands, disagreements over labeling methods with livestock processing companies are intensifying." He requested, "Please promptly establish labeling guidelines to activate the alternative protein market, which is part of the government's carbon neutrality policy, and to foster the development of this emerging industry."

Stock photo of alternative meat

The livestock processing industry argues that since alternative meat is not actual meat, terms like 육 (yuk, meaning meat) or 'meat' should not be allowed on labels, and sales in the livestock product sections should be prohibited. On the other hand, companies entering the alternative meat market claim that since they are already selling products under names and trademarks such as 'OO Meat' and 'OO Alternative Meat,' banning these terms would result in the loss of all related intangible assets.

Recently, due to growing interest in health, the environment, and animal welfare, various forms of alternative protein foods have gained attention, and the related market is expanding. The global alternative protein food market was valued at $9.6231 billion in 2018 and is expected to surge to $17.8586 billion by 2025.

The Ombudsman sees the need to establish accurate labeling methods for alternative meat and provide consumers with correct information, and has requested related consultations with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. The Ministry has also shown a positive stance toward guidelines for labeling plant-based protein alternative foods.

Ombudsman Park Ju-bong stated, "As the alternative protein market is rapidly growing, there is a need to prepare guidelines that do not hinder the development of this new industry," adding, "We will consult with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to ensure the related procedures proceed quickly."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.