ProVeg responds to vote this week by European Parliament committee
Allowing the use of meaty names for plant-based foods, such as “steak,” “sausage,” “burger,” “escalope,” and “egg yolk,” promotes innovation in the agrifood sector and helps ensure that Europe’s environment is preserved for future generations, ProVeg International said today.
“We encourage policymakers to support Europe’s farmers and enhance the economies of EU states by ensuring that the marketing of plant-based foods is balanced and transparent. In particular, we encourage clarity in labelling rather than restriction,” Jasmijn de Boo, Global CEO of ProVeg, said.
“As the plant-based food market continues to grow, EU policies should support its development, for the benefit of the European economy and to help the EU meet its goals to restore the bloc’s environment and reduce its emissions.” de Boo added.
Vote by Parliamentary committee
On Monday, the European Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development adopted a proposal by a French MEP to restrict the use of certain meaty names for plant-based foods. The proposal was included in a targeted revision of a Common Market Organisation (CMO) regulation.
However, surveys have shown that consumers are not confused by “meaty” names for plant-based foods. In addition to this, Europe is the biggest consumer market globally for plant-based alternatives1 and the Scientific Advisory Board of the European Academies has recently called on EU policymakers to adapt the legal framework to promote scientific progress in order to keep pace internationally2.
“Whilst the proposal was put forward as a means to strengthen farmers’ position in the food supply chain, it is farmers who will benefit from the promotion of plant-based foods, and increasingly so as the market develops and more ingredients for plant-based foods are grown in Europe,” de Boo said.
“We are living in challenging but exciting times for food systems and by actively promoting the plant-based sector, we can address the climate crisis in a way that benefits the EU’s economy, its farmers and the health of its citizens,” de Boo said.
Plant-based sector needs support
EU farmers can be supported by creating higher-value markets for pulses, soy, wheat, fungi, nuts, and vegetables, many of which are already grown in Europe. Legumes also support better soil health and reduce fertiliser needs, lowering production costs.
“The value of traditional meat products will still be recognised whilst, at the same time, the distinctive and innovative nature of plant-based products are valued,” de Boo said.
“On top of this, it should be stressed that consumers really are not confused by the use of meaty names to describe plant-based foods and surveys have confirmed this,” de Boo added.
The CMO proposal voted on by the Parliament committee on Monday is likely to come before the full Parliament in October.
A second, separate Commission proposal calling for the ban of 29 meaty names for plant-based foods, excluding “sausage,” “hamburger,” or “steak”, was published in July and is expected to reach Parliament next year.
ENDS
Footnotes
- GFI 2024 State of the Industry – Plant-based, https://gfi.org/resource/plant-based-meat-eggs-and-dairy-state-of-the-industry-report
- 250904_PR_Meat Alternatives
Notes to Editors
For media inquiries, email Peter Rixon at [email protected].
For scientific data about the benefits of plant-based eating, see our Food System Data website.
About ProVeg International
ProVeg International is a food awareness organisation with the mission to replace 50% of animal products globally with plant-based and cultivated foods by 2040. Our vision is a world where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet.
