France to ban use of meat names on plant-based protein

According to a Thursday decree, France will ban the use of meat names such as “steak” or “sausage” on plant protein food products starting October. This is to avoid confusion over the popular meat alternatives.

France is the first European Union country to impose such a restriction. A similar proposal was rejected by the EU in 2020, supported by farmers. 

The market for plant-based meats-like food has seen a surge in demand, which attracted significant investment from international agrifood organizations hoping to capitalize upon a trend towards healthier eating, with less red meat.

According to the official decree, it is not possible to use the sector-specific terminology that was traditionally associated with meat and fish to denote products that do not belong in the animal world. reads.

The regulation applies only to products made in France and the largest farm lobby in the country, FNSEA. saidIt was not enough because it left the door open for imports.

Interbev, a French meat industry association welcomed the implementation of the law first adopted in 2020, shortly after the end of pandemic lockdown.

It stated that “This provision is a step forward on French territory, a pioneering in the protection of its name, which should be extended to European level.” saidIn a statement

European bans already exist on terms like “milk”, “butter”, and “cheese” for products that aren’t of animal origin.

Interbev spokesperson stated that the term “burger” is still allowed by many brands, including U.S.-based firms Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods. It does not specifically refer only to meat. said.

Research and Markets says that the growth rate has risen to 19% per year over the next five years thanks to venture capitalists, angel investors and venture capitalists.

(Reporting by Sybille De La Hamaide; Editing done by Hugh Lawson & Lisa Shumaker