European Court Ruling: Plant-Based Products Can Be Labeled with Meat-Related Terms

By Ivan PetrenkoOct 9, 2024 17:30 PMNews
Share:
Plant-based alternatives can now keep familiar names, boosting clarity for consumers. Source: unsplash

A recent decision by the European Court of Justice has had a notable effect on producers and consumers of plant-based meat alternatives. The court determined that EU member states cannot restrict the use of terms like "vegetarian burger" or "vegan steak" unless there is a clearly defined legal description of the product. This verdict allows items such as "vegetarian steak" or "plant-based burger" to continue being sold under familiar names in supermarkets.

Impact on Travelers and Consumers

For those who frequently choose plant-based meat alternatives, this ruling is a welcome development. Vegetarians and vegans traveling across the EU can now feel assured that the terminology they are accustomed to will remain consistent, making product selection easier in various countries. Studies indicate that abandoning these familiar terms could lead to confusion for consumers, which contradicts the core principles of consumer protection, essential both during travel and in daily life.

Response from the Meat Industry and Potential Market Challenges

Industry representatives from the meat sector have raised concerns regarding potential market fragmentation. Their fears are rooted in the possibility that individual EU countries could introduce their own regulations for product definitions, complicating trade and supply chains. This could pose difficulties for travelers, who may face varying rules and product names depending on the country they are visiting.

However, no EU member state has yet introduced mandatory legal definitions for these products, meaning that travelers can continue to find plant-based items, such as "vegan cutlet" or "plant-based fillet," under consistent names, no matter where they are located.

Benefits for Vegetarian and Vegan Communities

Organizations advocating for the rights of vegans and vegetarians view this decision as a significant win. They argue that consumers have already grown familiar with the terminology used for plant-based products, and changing it would only add unnecessary complexity. The continued use of terms like "burger" or "steak" serves not only as a convenience but also as a means of consumer protection, especially for tourists who may not always be familiar with local labeling practices.

Future Regulatory Landscape

Although the current ruling from the European Court provides important protections for both producers and consumers, the debate over terminology may not be over. EU member states still have the ability to implement their own regulations, provided they establish clear legal definitions for these products. Consequently, the future of terms like "vegetarian steak" remains uncertain, though for the time being, it remains lawful across the Union.

Top Articles

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News

Tourists Raise Red Flags Over Hawaii Reviews

Apr 19, 2025 23:44 PM

Luni Station Closure Disrupts Spring Travel

Apr 19, 2025 21:21 PM

Brussels Airport Revamp Will Shift Passenger Experience

Apr 19, 2025 19:58 PM

Wuxi Shuofang Airport to Close Temporarily for Maintenance

Apr 19, 2025 16:46 PM

Easter Rail Disruptions to Affect Northern England Routes

Apr 19, 2025 14:23 PM

Edinburgh Speeds Up Passenger Flow with Upgrades

Apr 19, 2025 12:39 PM

Malaysia Airlines Reinstates Brisbane Route with Expanded Regional Access

Apr 18, 2025 23:21 PM

Seychelles Launches Marine Programme for Environmentally Minded Travellers

Apr 18, 2025 21:34 PM

Maintenance Work to Impact Summer Departures at Hannover Airport

Apr 18, 2025 19:48 PM

Severe Rail Disruptions Ahead of Marathon and FA Cup

Apr 18, 2025 17:23 PM

Asia Travel Made Easier with New Airline Partnership

Apr 18, 2025 15:35 PM

Business Travel Gets Personal: New Hotel Perk Encourages Guests to Bring a Companion

Apr 17, 2025 23:31 PM

Easter Flights Bring Seasonal Comforts for Travelers

Apr 17, 2025 20:25 PM

Weekend Weather Threatens Travel Across South West England

Apr 17, 2025 18:47 PM

Wizz Air Expands Naples Routes with New Travel Destinations

Apr 17, 2025 16:33 PM

Maui faces water shortage amid tourist comfort

Apr 16, 2025 22:39 PM

New Direct Flight Simplifies Travel Between Munich and Dubai

Apr 16, 2025 20:42 PM

Changi Lounges to Expand Space and Comfort Over Two Years

Apr 16, 2025 18:24 PM

Train Delays Expected on Pisa to Rome Line This Summer

Apr 16, 2025 16:37 PM

Antalya Airport Upgrade Enhances Travel Experience

Apr 15, 2025 16:46 PM

Iceland’s Expanding Appeal for Nature-Loving Travellers

Apr 15, 2025 14:53 PM

Flexible Antalya Trips Now Easier from Graz

Apr 15, 2025 12:37 PM

UK Rain Warning Triggers Travel Caution for Midweek Journeys

Apr 15, 2025 10:44 AM

Hidden Fees and Access Problems Reported on eDreams

Apr 15, 2025 08:21 AM

Electric Buses Make Exploring Exeter Smoother for Visitors

Apr 15, 2025 06:39 AM

New Munich Route Eases Access to Canadian Rockies

Apr 14, 2025 23:56 PM