Shocking - France Bans Plant-based Meat Names

France has become the first European country that has banned meat terms on plant-based mead products. From now on, meat alternatives and vegan products cannot be marketed as bacon, chicken, steak, and sausage. 

The new law comes to life starting in October 2022, and it is exclusive to the French plant-based meat producers, which means that the shops and food service providers will still be able to buy imported plant-based foods that use these terms on the packaging. Nevertheless, experts say this will definitely slow down the development of the French plant-based market. 

Surprisingly you will be still able to have your vegan burger while in France, as the burger is the only word that skipped that ban. 

The French government claims that by introducing a new rule, it wants to prevent consumer confusion as meat alternatives have become more realistic in recent years. Of course, the new law is supported by the meat industry as it aims to protect the French meat tradition. 

The term plant-based meat refers to meat analogues produced from vegetable protein sources such as soy, peas, beans, rice, mushrooms and vegetable fats, such as coconut oil or olive oil. They gained popularity among consumers in recent years. 

The latest, most innovative plant-based meat alternatives resemble real meat in the looks, texture and flavour and perfectly mimic its properties. 

Today, vegan meats are nutritious; they offer a juicy texture and meaty taste, and they cook just like the real thing. 

Meat alternatives are also better for people's health (produced without any use of antibiotics and hormones) and better for the planet. Production of plant-based alternatives generates significantly lower greenhouse emissions when compared to meat which is responsible of global warming.  

Given all the advantages of plant-based meats, they can successfully replace traditional meat in everyday dishes, which is one of the many reasons the meat industry tries to put pressure on governments in order to introduce more laws making it more difficult for plant-based companies to compete on the free market.