After more than three years of debate, Belgium is unlikely to ban ‘contains meat’ labels from vegan foods before the next federal election, the government has announced.
Farmers’ groups had called for a ban on vegan products that used animal product names on their labels. However, no consensus could be reached on the point that the traditional “meaty” terminology could be misleading to consumers.
Fien Louwagie, communications manager at food awareness organization ProVeg Belgium, said: plant-based news: “Although the process for developing the guidelines has not formally changed, we believe it is unlikely that any further progress will be made before the next election.”
Vegan steak doesn’t confuse consumers
In 2020, the government set up a working group to determine whether labels such as “vegan steak” could mislead consumers.
This process brought together various meat industry organizations. These included the General Farmers’ Syndicate, the Meat Producers’ Federation, the Farmers’ Union, and the Butchers’ Union. Food awareness group Proveg also had a seat at the table.
Industry representatives have advocated for a ban, but there is no consensus that “contains meat” labels could cause serious confusion.
According to Nieuwsblad, Economy Minister Pierre-Yves Delmagne acknowledged that “significant dissonance still exists between the various stakeholders.”
Belgium is scheduled to hold elections in June this year. It is unclear what will happen to the working group under the new administration.
Loagie added: “I hope that after the election, the new government recognizes that consumers are not confused by plant-based foods with ‘meat-like’ names and abandons the development of guidelines altogether.” added.
A recent survey found that more than half of European meat eaters are reducing their meat consumption. Last October, Denmark became the first country to chart a path to a plant-based food system.
Belgium joins Switzerland in bucking the European trend
Despite declining demand for meat, some governments on the continent are opposing the rise of plant-based meat alternatives. Belgium isn’t the only country where the “meat” label is controversial.
In September 2023, the French government submitted a draft law banning 21 names such as “steak” and “ham” from vegan products manufactured and sold in France. Similarly, in December, Poland’s Ministry of Agriculture announced a draft law banning the word “meaty” from plant-based labels.
In contrast, a Swiss court ruled in January 2023 that the “meat-like” label does not deceive consumers.
Discussions continue in the European Union over plans to update the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Vegan advocacy groups say CAP’s ties to the meat, fish and dairy industries should be weakened.