EU bans term 'plant-based meat' to protect livestock farmers

Illustrative image of a vegetable burger with cashew fiber.
Disclosure
The European Parliament approved, this Tuesday (16), a law that prohibits the use of the term "vegetable meat" for plant-based products, with the aim of protecting its livestock farmers, reported the news agency France Presse.
Despite this, the bloc continues to allow the use of names such as "veggie burger" and "vegetable sausage", following an agreement reached in March between MEPs and representatives of Member States.
The ban - which still needs definitive approval from Member States - represents a victory for livestock farmers, who argue that foods of plant origin that imitate meat can mislead consumers and harm their sector.
"This is a victory for our producers, for their experience and for the transparency that is owed to consumers", said Celine Imart, producer of cereals and right-wing French deputy who pushed the proposal.
➡ The text restricts the use of the generic label "meat", as well as a long list of terms that include "veal", "pork", "chicken", "turkey", "duck" and "lamb".
In addition, it clearly defines meat as "edible parts of animals", also prohibiting its use for laboratory-grown or cell-based products.
Opposition to the measure
Retailers in the food sector food in Germany, the largest European market for alternative products of plant origin, had opposed this veto, together with environmentalists and consumer advocates.
Singer Paul McCartney had also spoken out in defense of breaded soy steaks and tofu sausages.
➡ The consumption, in the European Union (EU), of plant-based alternatives to products made with meat has quintupled since 2011, according to data from the consumer organization BEUC, driven by concern for well-being animal, the environmental impact of livestock farming and health issues.
However, the debate has not yet concluded. The new standard will initially be applied by the end of next year.
For the following period, negotiations are already underway on the EU's common market organization for agricultural products, which is reviewed every seven years.
Now on g1

Source: G1