Ministry of Agriculture backs down from efforts to restrict the use of names like ‘kale patty’ and ‘mushroom schnitzel’ for plant-based food products.

Marek Výborný, the Czech Minister of Agriculture, has said that proposed restrictions on the labelling of plant-based foods will no longer be pursued.
Consumers are not confused by the use of “meaty” names for plant-based foods, the minister has said, and that any restrictions would impose unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles on Czech producers. The restriction had originally been proposed as part of last year’s amendment to the decree on meat and meat-products requirements.
The proposed changes faced widespread criticism from the public, along with ProVeg Czechia and Rostlinně, a Czech project that promotes plant-based cooking.
Manufacturers, retailers, and restaurants expressed concerns about the potential long-term negative impacts on their businesses, while consumers feared the change would complicate purchasing decisions. Thanks to Výborný’s decision, Czech companies can avoid costly rebranding efforts and continue to compete in European markets without additional regulatory burdens.
“We don’t want to meddle in people’s lives,” Minister Výborný stated on social media platform X. “ I trust producers to label their products fairly so that every customer knows exactly what they’re buying. Conversely, customers are competent and know what they’re purchasing. I really don’t have the ambition to educate people.”
Traditional names for plant-based products don’t confuse anyone
A recent YouGov survey commissioned by ProVeg Czechia revealed that 82% of respondents correctly associate terms such as ‘soya sausage’ with plant-based products that contain no meat, while 69% support retaining familiar labels such as ‘plant-based sausage’ or “soy sausage’.
A separate media poll, with over 25,000 responses, confirmed that 91.6% of consumers are not confused by the use of traditional names such as ‘burger’ or ‘patty’ when applied to plant-based products.
“Consumers know what they’re buying, and any changes to the labeling system would only create confusion,” commented Martin Ranninger, Co-Director of ProVeg Czechia.
“We welcome Minister Výborný’s decision to allow names like ‘sausage’, ‘schnitzel’, and ‘burger’ to continue being used for plant-based products. This decision reflects the opinions of both consumers and producers, and demonstrates that common sense has prevailed over industry pressure,” Ranninger added.
“We hope that future regulations will prioritise the genuine needs of consumers over the narrow interests of specific sectors of the food industry.”
Lucie Roškotová, spokesperson for the Rostlinně project, echoed these sentiments, stating: “The minister’s decision to keep the use of terms like burger, pâté, or deli meats for plant-based products is sensible and considerate of the needs of consumers, the public, and the foodservice industry. This move reflects a broad consensus that misleading and unnecessarily restrictive labeling changes are not the way forward. We appreciate that the minister listened to the public’s voice and has maintained the simplicity and clarity in food labeling that consumers value.”
Similar attempts in other countries to restrict plant-based food labels have failed. Belgium’s proposal was rejected due to concerns about its impact on innovation and food availability, and Germany recently adopted guidelines allowing the use of terms such as ‘vegan salami’ and ‘vegetarian sausage’.
In Czechia, plant-based foods have steadily gained popularity over the last few years, not only among vegans but also among those seeking healthier options, better diets, or ways to reduce their environmental impact. Today, one in four Czechs includes plant-based products in their diet, whether enjoying grilled mushroom burgers or celery schnitzels. As these options become more mainstream, clear and consistent labeling remains essential.
Food industry welcomes minister’s decision on labelling
Zbyněk Haindl, from, Nestlé Czech Republic and Slovakia, commented, “We welcome the minister’s statement and will wait for the official form of the decision. We have always been convinced that consumers understand the names of plant-based products. These names provide people with useful and valuable information about the shape, texture, and preparation of the product. The name ‘vegan burger’ is as clear to consumers as ‘chocolate egg’, or ‘non-alcoholic beer.’”
Tomáš Prouza, President of the Czech Confederation of Commerce and Tourism, responded , “We appreciate Minister Výborný’s decision. It’s good that he has chosen not to introduce more unnecessary bureaucracy and instead advocate for clear and understandable food labeling.”
Aleksey Gonsky, from Vegetus, a plant-based producer, expressed gratitude for the minister’s decision, emphasising that Vegetus supports “the innovative development of both the plant-based and animal-based food sectors in the Czech Republic”. Gonsky added that continued dialogue between the ministry and industry representatives is key to future projects that enhance citizens’ quality of life and boost Czech food production.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For media inquiries, contact Aneta Kudolániová, Communications Specialist at ProVeg Czechia, at [email protected]. Tel: +421944013993
About ProVeg International
ProVeg is an international food awareness organisation working to transform the global food system by replacing conventional animal-based products with plant-based and cultivated alternatives.