A bill is currently under consideration in Chile, seeking to regulate food-tech companies and define plant-based alternatives to animal-derived products as ‘simulated foods’.

The bill, passed through the Chilean government’s Agriculture Committee and now being considered by the Chamber of Deputies, is authored by representative Harry Jürgensen.

It proposes the establishment of a “statute of free competition between foods of animal origin and those of plant origin, where the latter imitate the properties of the former,” aiming to distinguish between “natural and synthetic” food sources.

It defines ‘simulated food’ as a product not composed of animal-derived ingredients, but showing an appearance, flavour, texture and smell ‘similar or identical’ to animal-derived products due to techniques used for its preparation.

The bill also proposes a ban on displaying or advertising any food ‘simulated’ as derived from an animal, as well as the promotion of plant-based alternatives with images of products derived from animal breeding and slaughter.

If approved, the bill would require manufacturers, producers, distributors and importers of plant-based alternatives in the country to label their products as ‘simulated food’.

While the bill acknowledges the food-tech ecosystem’s role in responding to current global challenges around food security and sustainability, it also puts forward concerns regarding the safety of alternative products, such as cell-based meat and food products made with AI. Additionally, it questions the effectiveness of such products regarding their environmental impact.

Jürgensen argues that the bill is intended to clearly establish which foods are of animal origin and which are of plant origin. The bill proposes that violations of its regulations be considered acts of unfair competition and subject to unfair competition penalties as set out in Law 20, 169.

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