Vegetarian Food Company Sues Missouri over New Law

A vegetarian food company is challenging a new law in Missouri regarding meat labeling. The law, taking effect next week, prohibits food manufacturers from using the word “meat” on products made without animal flesh, and will make Missouri the first state to regulate meat labeling. However, Tofurky, the manufacturer of vegetarian products labeled as hot dogs, burgers and others, is challenging the law in court. The Oregon-based company contends that the provision barring food producers from “misrepresenting” their products as meat – as in calling them sausage and hot dogs – if they are not made from livestock or poultry is too vague, according to meat industry publication Meatingplace. Missouri lawmakers passed the law earlier this year, and it was signed by now-former governor Eric Greitens. Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley is expected to defend the law in the wake of the Tofurky lawsuit.