Veggie burger is allowed to stay

The European Parliament voted on Friday to reject the "veggie burger ban". The ban would have restricted the use of terms like "burger" and "sausage" for plant-based products typically associated with meat products. However, MEPs have voted to ban the use of descriptive terms such as 'type of yoghurt' and 'cheese alternative' for plant-based dairy products. Terms like “almond milk” and “vegan cheese” are already banned in the European Union.

Both amendments aim to avoid alleged consumer confusion. However, today's two votes are still subject to final adoption as part of a wider vote on Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform later today.

Nico Nettelmann, Campaign Manager at ProVeg, says: “We welcome the European Parliament's vote against introducing naming restrictions for plant-based meat alternatives, but deeply regret its vote for the far-reaching and completely unnecessary restrictions on the naming of plant-based dairy alternatives. Although the ban is said to avoid consumer confusion, it is clear that only the renaming will lead to it.” The plant-based dairy sector, one of the most innovative and sustainable in the entire European food industry, is expected to face significant challenges becomes. Plant-based dairy manufacturers could now face financial burdens associated with renaming, rebranding and remarketing their products.

“The ban is also in direct contradiction to the European Union's stated goals in the international Green Deal and Farm-to-Fork strategy to create healthier and more sustainable food systems. The farm-to-fork strategy specifically emphasizes the need to empower consumers to make sustainable food choices and facilitate healthy and sustainable diet choices,” adds Nettelmann.

The motions are part of the European Parliament's position on the CAP reform. The CAP reform will now be negotiated with the European Council and the Commission in the next step. “ProVeg will continue to seek a reasonable resolution to this debate. We call on the member states to find a solution that promotes a sustainable food system," said Nettelmann.

About ProVeg
ProVeg is a leading international nutrition organization whose mission is to reduce global animal consumption by 2040% by 50. ProVeg works with international decision-making bodies, governments, food producers, investor groups, the media and the general public to support the world's transition to a society and economy that is less dependent on animal husbandry and more sustainable for people, animals and the planet. More information at www.proveg.com/de

Comments (0)

So far, no comments have been published here

Write a comment

  1. Post a comment as a guest.
Attachments (0 / 3)
Share your location