The news that France or any member state can’t ban meaty terms in plant-based food labels has given [the] industry a lot to chew over.
The words burger, sausage, and steak may have distinct meanings to some, however, the EU’s Top Court ruled that these same words are now legal names for vegan marketing. The Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled that France or any Member State cannot prohibit using “terms traditionally associated with animal products” for plant-based alternatives, provided the ingredients are clearly shown on labels.
The EU court’s ruling is a boost for plant-based businesses [that] can market their products confidently. As plant-based products continue to evolve, legal frameworks will need to adapt to these new realities. For now, the EU has sent a clear message: plant-based foods have a right to compete, using terms familiar to consumers.
