EU votes on veggie burger ban on Tuesday

The European Parliament will vote on October 20, 2020 on a bill that would ban manufacturers from using terms like "burger" and "sausage" and terms like "yogurt-style" and "cheese alternative" for vegetarian and vegan products. Opposition to the proposed ban is growing by the day, backed by a petition that now has more than 150.000 signatures. The petition launched by ProVeg will be sent to MEPs ahead of the vote on Tuesday 20th October.

MEPs will vote on two bills (amendments 165 and 171). Amendment 165 seeks to restrict the use of terms for plant products typically associated with meat products. If the law is passed, veggie burgers could be called "veggie slices" and veggie sausages "veggie sticks".

Amendment 171 aims to expand existing restrictions on milk-related names. Terms like "almond milk" and "vegan cheese" are already banned in the EU. Amendment 171 seeks to restrict the use of descriptive terms such as "yoghurt type" and "cheese alternative" for milk alternatives. Both amendments aim to avoid alleged consumer confusion.

Nico Nettelmann, campaign manager at ProVeg: “To suggest that consumers are confused about the contents of a veggie burger is nonsense. Just as we all know that there is no milk in coconut milk, consumers know exactly what they are getting when they buy a veggie burger or veggie sausage. Over 150.000 people already agree with us. We hope common sense will prevail on Tuesday."

Manufacturers and environmental groups across Europe argue that both amendments run counter to the EU's progressive policy approaches to promoting plant-based diets, as outlined in the European Green Deal and the Farm-to-Fork strategy. It was also stressed that the financial impact on the crop-based market could also be significant should MEPs vote in favor of the amendments.

“If the changes are adopted, manufacturers, retailers and food service companies will be hit hard financially. For example, they will have to redesign products under the new legal framework, risking costly lawsuits if they misinterpret the new legislation," said Nettelmann.

Increased promotional efforts may be needed to ensure that the new product descriptions attract consumers as much as the previous labeling and terminology. New marketing campaigns would need to ensure consumers understand the uses of existing products with new names and descriptions.

Nettelmann adds: “However, we are confident that the vegetable sector will continue to innovate and thrive, regardless of the outcome of Tuesday's vote. The global demand for plant-based foods is unstoppable, no matter what obstacles are put in its way."

Source: https://proveg.com/