Belgium ends war on plant-based food labeling: vegan burgers and steaks can keep their 'meat' name - vegconomist

The Belgian government has ended the so-called “vegetable war” and allowed plant-based products to be labeled with meat-heavy names such as “vegan burger” and “vegan steak”. as revealed by news blood.

Economy Minister Pierre-Yves Delmagne recently announced that Belgium will not establish guidelines for the naming and labeling of vegetarian and vegan products. The decision comes amid significant disagreement at the political level over proposed guidelines for labeling plant-based alternatives.

In considering recent proposals, Environment MP Barbara Creamers raised concerns that restrictive naming and labeling guidelines could hinder the promotion of vegan options, a vital solution to combating global warming.

The plant-based food industry echoed her proposal, arguing that the risk of consumer confusion was greatly exaggerated. They questioned the seriousness of the problem and argued that the worst outcome would be to buy vegan chicken instead of “real” chicken.

As reported by Nieuwsblad, the decision ends a controversial debate that has been going on since 2020. The controversy began when Bolenbond and the National Union of Butchers, Bacon Butchers and Caterers established a working group to create “clear guidelines” for food products. Labeling and advertising plant-based products.

The proposed guidelines will spark a debate within governments about the accessibility and promotion of vegetarian and vegan alternatives, and will be supported by three NGOs campaigning to raise food awareness: Good Food Institute Europe, European Vegetarian Union; Provege International called on the Belgian government to reject the guidelines. They argue that the guidelines disrespect consumers and endanger the integrity of the EU market.

According to Proveg International, the original proposal included a number of traditional animal-based products to prevent consumer confusion, even though research shows consumers are not confused by labels with names like meat. It said it included prohibiting substitute products from using terms associated with the product.

The importance of a plant-based diet

The Belgian government’s resolution reflects a widespread understanding of the importance of plant-based diets in promoting the health of the planet and combating climate change. Furthermore, according to a survey by the Belgian Consumer Association Research Specialist Association, 11% of Belgians identify as non-meat eaters.

Meanwhile, governments in South Korea, Poland, France, Switzerland and Italy say consumers are confused by current plant-based labeling and are aggressively introducing regulations and guidelines to ban animal food names. Says.

Jasmin de Vu, CEO of Proveg International, said national measures to restrict plant-based products are an important part of sustainable food systems as outlined in the European Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy. This contradicts the EU’s goal of developing the world.

“It is ridiculous to ask consumers to switch to a plant-based diet while at the same time censoring plant-based products within the European Union. Imagine censoring electric cars or recycled paper at this point in history. Please give it a try,” Jasmin de Bous said in a statement last year.

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