A Missouri law defining meat as “derived from harvested production livestock or poultry” went into effect this fall. The law also creates fines and even jail time for producers who violate the act. Supporters of the law claim that consumers are being misled by meatless “meat-products,” and the law is necessary to protect the meat industry. Opponents to the law disagree that consumers are misled, since meat alternative products are usually accompanied by statements like “vegan” and “veggie.” Opponents are also concerned that the law restricts free speech and stifles competition in the plant-based meat substitute market. Several organizations have launched legal challenges to the act.