Chile’s Proposed ‘Simulated Food’ Bill for Plant-Based Alternatives

Chile is currently evaluating a bill aimed at regulating the food tech sector and “establishing a fair competition framework” between traditional and plant-based food industries, according to a Chamber of Deputies press release. Authored by Representative Harry Jürgensen, the proposed legislation seeks to address consumer rights and prevent deceptive practices in food labeling.

The bill, which has recently advanced from the Agriculture Committee to the Chamber of Deputies, introduces the concept of “simulated food” to describe plant-based products that mimic meat, dairy, or egg products. If enacted, the bill will mandate that such items be clearly labeled as “simulated food” to distinguish them from their animal-derived counterparts. The legislation also includes provisions to prohibit misleading advertising and the use of animal imagery in promoting these alternatives.

According to the press release from the Chamber of Deputies, the Ministry of Health will be responsible for setting standards on label design, ensuring that information is both visible and comprehensible to consumers. The bill emphasizes the need for transparent labeling and scientific evaluation of plant-based products to address potential environmental and safety concerns.

Matias Latugaye, Vice President of Latin America at NotCo, expressed concerns about the bill’s impact on innovation. In a letter to Diario Financiero, Latugaye criticized the legislation for potentially hindering technological advancements in the food sector. He argued that the bill promotes an outdated perspective that undermines the synergy between traditional food industries and food tech companies. Latugaye highlighted that the bill’s focus on “simulated food” and the imposition of restrictive regulations could impede the development of Chile’s food tech sector, which has made significant strides in using artificial intelligence to drive innovation.

Latugaye also noted that the bill’s approach to food labeling overlooks existing regulations and raises concerns about potential biases in its formulation. He warned that passing the bill could negatively impact Chile’s progress in food security and sustainability, as it may restrict the growth of a sector that plays a crucial role in addressing global food challenges.

The bill’s progress through the legislative process will continue to be monitored, with stakeholders from various sectors evaluating its potential implications for both the food tech industry and consumer protection.