In 2023, the French government made a decision that stirred up controversy in the food industry. They banned the use of terms like ’steak‘ and ’sausage‘ for products made from plant-based proteins, even if they were labeled as ‚vegetarian‘ or ’soy‘. This move raised concerns among vegetarian organizations, who argued that the French regulations contradicted European laws regarding consumer information on food products.
The European Court of Justice recently ruled that the existing European legislation provides sufficient protection for consumers, even when a food product completely replaces the expected ingredient listed in its common or descriptive name. The Court emphasized that mandatory ingredient lists offer consumers enough information to understand the product they are purchasing.
The Court clarified that a ban on using meat-related names is only permissible if those names are legally defined, along with the product’s composition. The Dutch Vegetarian Society expressed concerns about the potential challenges this could pose due to cultural and linguistic differences across countries, potentially disrupting the internal market and causing confusion among consumers.
Rafael Pinto, the EU policy manager at the European Vegetarian Union (EVU), hailed the Court’s decision as a significant step towards ensuring consumers have accurate and transparent information about the products they buy. He emphasized that the ruling not only protects consumers but also upholds the integrity of the internal market. By promoting clarity in food labeling, the EU can encourage the adoption of plant-based alternatives, work towards environmental goals, and boost competitiveness and innovation within the EU.
Overall, the European Court of Justice’s ruling on the use of meat-related names for plant-based products is a crucial development in ensuring consumer rights and market integrity. It sets a precedent for other EU countries and underscores the importance of clear and transparent food labeling to promote sustainable practices and drive innovation in the food industry.