Brazil’s Lower House Backs Bill Reserving “Meat,” “Milk” and “Honey” for Animal Products

Overview

• The bill restricts the terms “meat,” “milk,” and “honey” to animal-origin foods and bars plant-based products from using those denominations.
• It sets legal definitions for meat and dairy and reserves related names such as butter, yogurt, hamburger, steak, ham, sausage and others exclusively for animal-derived items.
• Labels, packaging, advertising and menus must clearly state the nature and composition of plant-based items in Portuguese, with restaurants required to disclose when similar products are used.
• A 180-day transition begins after presidential sanction, with violations subject to Consumer Defense Code penalties and possible loss of federal incentives.
• Analysts warn the new definitions could influence tax classification and access to benefits depending on subsequent regulation and Receita Federal rulings.