“Ever puzzled over why plant-based labelling can’t just call a veggie ‘steak’ a steak? France’s Council of State has overturned two government decrees that blocked makers from using meaty terms like ‘steak’ or ‘sausage.’ This follows a fresh ruling from the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), declaring these national bans clash with EU guidelines. It’s a huge win for anyone who loves a tasty soya sizzle – clearer labels are finally here!”
A Legal Battle Kicking Off in 2020
This tussle started back in 2020 when France’s Parliament passed a law banning meat-related terms for plant-based goodies. Think “bacon” or “ham” – off-limits for anything that didn’t come from an animal. The government doubled down with a decree in June 2022, updated in February 2024, according to Just Food. But plant-based companies and trade groups weren’t having it, arguing these rules went against EU law.
Before making its final call, the Council of State turned to the CJEU for clarity. In October 2024 (not 2023 as originally stated – corrected per Vegconomist), the CJEU ruled that EU regulations already cover plant-based labelling, stopping individual countries from adding extra restrictions. Armed with this, France’s top court chucked out the decrees on 28 January 2025, ending a saga that’s been simmering for years.
The 2022 decree had already hit pause last year after firms like French alt-protein brand La Vie fought back with legal challenges. Now, with the ban officially binned, makers can stick to familiar plant-based labelling like “soya steak” or “veggie sausage” for their products and marketing.
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A Triumph Over Lobby Pressure
Nicolas Schweitzer, CEO of La Vie, couldn’t hide his glee: “We’ve just penned the final chapter of a legal epic that’ll go down in history. It’s a victory for common sense against the muscle of intensive farming lobbies. We’re chuffed to keep calling our products what they are – no compromises, no nonsense.” Check out their jubilant post on X – they’re not wrong about it feeling like David toppling Goliath!
This isn’t just about words on a packet. It’s part of a broader European debate over plant-based labelling. Some argue meaty terms confuse shoppers, but companies say they’re crystal clear about what you’re getting – a tasty stand-in, not the real deal. The CJEU agrees current EU rules, outlined by Food Navigator, protect consumers well enough without extra bans.
Ripple Effects Across Europe
“France’s dramatic shift on plant-based labelling could ripple far beyond its borders, locking in the Court of Justice of the European Union’s (CJEU) position across the entire EU. This isn’t just a local win – it’s a signal that the days of wrestling with confusing rules might be over. The CJEU made it clear: national bans on calling plant-based goodies ‘sausage’ or ‘steak’ don’t gel with broader EU guidelines. For anyone who’s ever wondered why a veggie patty couldn’t bear a familiar name, this feels like a breath of fresh air.”
“Now, the rules are simpler – if it looks like a sausage, sizzles like one, and tastes just as good, you can slap that name on it without a fuss. La Vie, a French plant-based brand, nailed it on social media: ‘After years of gritty legal battles, David’s finally toppled Goliath. Your go-to products can stick with their trusty names – the ones that show you exactly how to whip them up or enjoy them.’ It’s a victory that celebrates practicality and cuts through the nonsense, making plant-based labelling a lot less of a headache.”
“So, where do you stand on this? Are you chuffed to see plant-based labelling stay clear and straightforward, or do you still find it a tad tricky to navigate? Whatever your view, this ruling hands us more choice, sharper clarity, and a greener way to eat. It’s a step toward a food world that’s easier to understand and kinder to the planet – who wouldn’t cheer for that?”
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