The measure was introduced by French conservative lawmaker Celine Imart, who argued it would prevent confusion with traditional meat products.
The measure was introduced by French conservative lawmaker Celine Imart, who argued it would prevent confusion with traditional meat products.
Since this is clearly such a non-issue (seriously, who buys a veggie burger thinking it’s actual meat?!) it’s just used for distraction from the more important issues the EU / world faces.
As a vegetarian, I support clear labeling of vegetarian products (so I don’t accidentally eat meat); I’d guess meat eaters would also support clear labeling, so they don’t accidentally eat veggie products.
That said, I would argue that references to sausage, hamburger, hot dog, chili, etc, refer more to the form of the product (shape, whether it’s in a wrapping, etc) than the actual specific contents. Just make a rule saying that plant-based “meat” have to be costly labeled as “plant-based” in type 1/3 the size of the form, and move on from this (non)issue.
The meat manufacturers are only getting their panties tied up because meat is becoming less popular and they want every edge they can get to try to hang on to their market.
Mostly because forcing them to change the wording means that their competitors have to go through the hoops of changing their packaging and potentially losing money on destroying packaging that has already been made (depending on how much of a heads up they get). It’s too just be a nuisance and to slow them down and potentially have less in stores for a little while so the traditional meat manufacturers can try and take back more space on the shelves.
100%. If the do anything, it’s because of money.