Arkansas produces nearly 40% of the rice grown in the US…so it might be understandable they are leading the charge against a product that is taking the low-carb world by storm…cauliflower “rice.”
The new law would impose a $1000 fine against anyone who puts the word “cauliflower” next to the word “rice” on packaging.
This would go along with recent efforts by dairy groups that want to stop companies who want to sell almond “milk.”
Next, I guess owners of pine trees and the orchard industries will be going after pineapples because they are not grown on pine trees and they are not apples.
Arkansas House Bill 1407 was passed by the House and Senate and was recently signed into law by Governor Asa Hutchinson.
The so-called “truth in labeling” legislation was pushed by USA Rice as well as Rep. David Hillman, R-Almyra. Almost half the states have some type of “truth in labeling” laws on the books.
Most of these laws are designed to make sure people know that products contain some sort of meat and its sources.
In a press release, Rep. Hillman said:
“This law only affects people who want to deceive the public about how their food originated,” Hillman said. “And if you’re not trying to deceive the public, this will not affect you or any of the outlets who sell these products.”
Arkansas is the only state in the country trying to protect their citizens against deceptive cauliflower sellers.
People on Keto, Paleo and Carnivore diets are always on the lookout for low carb ways of preparing their favorite foods.
The cauliflower rice alternative was discovered by low carb dieters following the advent of the Atkins diet.
Low-carb dieters have been innovative in coming up with unique alternatives for some of their favorite foods.
They came up with the lettuce wrap for some sandwiches and hamburgers.
The first use of cauliflower seems to be using it for a mashed potato substitute, but this apparently didn’t get the ire of Idaho.
Low-carb advocates have been using cauliflower rice in their stir-fry over the last few years and manufactures have recently started producing it for them.
Arkansas now has to worry about other rice alternatives that seem to be popping up using all sorts of alternatives…
Since it is relatively simple to make cauliflower rice, one wonders if this bill means there will be new spies in Arkansas kitchens.
To make your own simply use a food grater or food processor to break the vegetable into small pieces, and then squeeze out the excess moisture with paper towels.
After that just fry it with some olive oil and it’s ready to go or you can enjoy it raw.
Why would you want to do this? A radical reduction in carbohydrates.
Cauliflower has only 1/9 the carbs as rice with a similar taste.
It’s also packed with vitamins C, K and B6, and folate.
One small head of cauliflower has more than 125 mg of vitamin C — nearly twice as much as a medium orange
It remains unclear that the law will stand because it runs afoul of federal labeling laws and it violates the interstate commerce clause.
But it is a ridiculous law that shows again the influence big agriculture can have over lawmakers.
