EU to strengthen protection of names of animal products

European Union (EU) agriculture ministers have unanimously backed a Commission proposal to strengthen protection for names of animal products. The measure aims to ensure that plant-based products that imitate meat do not cause confusion for consumers or hijack terms reserved for meat products.

The initiative, backed by 12 Member States, including Spain, France, Italy, Hungary and the Czech Republic, has already received the explicit support of six other countries. Moreover, there was not a single vote against, demonstrating a broad European consensus.

Meat labels under pressure

The debate is a response to a growing concern in the agri-food sector: the proliferation of plant-based products that imitate the appearance, taste, texture and even name of meat products. According to the Spanish National Association of the Meat Industry (ANICE), this trend has led to “growing confusion among consumers”.

ANICE reminds us that the meat sector operates under clear rules. For example, the differences between a hamburger and a burger are regulated based on their composition. However, plant-based substitutes often use similar terms without meeting these requirements.

A historic requirement of the sector

The aim of the proposal is to extend to all products of animal origin the protection already applied in the dairy sector, as established in Regulation (EU) 1308/2013, as well as in the recent Directive (EU) 2024/1438 on honey.

The associations ANICE, AVIANZA, ANFACO-CECOPESCA and CEDECARNE have already launched a joint campaign “Everything in its name” in 2024 to defend clear, consistent and respectful regulation of animal protein producers.

The Commission responds

European Commissioner for Agriculture Christoph Hansen has expressed his willingness to address this issue in the context of the upcoming revision of the Common Market Organization (CMO) Regulation.

He has promised to act “rigorously and proportionately” and to base decisions on careful analysis, seeking a balance between consumer protection and recognition of the agri-food sector.

ANICE: “It’s time to put an end to deception”

ANICE Director General Giuseppe Aloisio gave a very positive assessment of the initiative: “It’s time to put an end to hypocrisy and deception of consumers. It is time to protect and support the work of the European livestock and meat sector and make it clear that ultra-processed plant products cannot appropriate what does not belong to them. It is a matter of fairness and common sense.”

Tags: EU