The European Parliament has today voted to restrict words like “sausage” on the labels of plant-based food
ProVeg International has today responded to a vote by the European Parliament to restrict “meaty” names such as “sausage”, “steak” and “burger” on plant-based foods.
MEPs adopted the proposal with 355 votes for, 247 against and 30 abstentions.
Jasmijn de Boo, Global CEO of ProVeg International, said:
“Plant-based foods are, and always will be, an essential part of EU agriculture, its economy and its growth.
“So today’s vote by the European Parliament to restrict the labelling of plant-based foods is disappointing.
“Europe is the biggest consumer market globally for plant-based meat alternatives, a market from which EU farmers will benefit hugely as it creates 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. So there are both economic and environmental benefits to promoting, rather restricting, the sale of plant-based foods.
“Aside from the fact that consumers are not confused by “meaty” labelling of plant-based foods, we must also remember that the EU already has robust legislation in place to protect consumers from misleading labels.
“By restricting plant-based labelling, the EU single market is also undermined as such restrictions introduce administrative complexity, especially given the diversity of culinary traditions and languages across Member States.”
ENDS
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.
