The European Union continues to take important steps to protect traditional meat designations against products that mimic meat but do not contain animal protein.
At the end of June, EU agriculture ministers strongly conveyed to the European Commission the need to act urgently to strengthen the protection of names for foods of animal origin and ensure transparent labeling. This measure seeks to avoid consumer confusion about the nature and nutritional value of meat substitute products.
The legislative proposal, promoted by twelve Member States—including Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal—was supported without opposition by six other countries, reflecting a broad European consensus in favor of clearer and more consistent regulations.
During the debate, the ministers stressed the importance of respecting current marketing standards and ensuring maximum transparency in labeling. The initiative responds to a growing concern in the sector regarding the proliferation of plant-based products that imitate the appearance, taste, texture, and even the name of meat products, causing consumer confusion.
The signatory countries have warned that current labeling can be misleading, especially regarding the composition and nutritional properties of these products. They have also requested that the protection already in place in the dairy sector be extended to all products of animal origin, thus strengthening regulatory coherence at the EU level and protecting consumers.
The European Commission has expressed its willingness to address this request in the context of the upcoming revision of the Common Market Organization (CMO) Regulation, with the aim of finding a fair balance between consumer protection and recognition of the work of the agri-food sector.
At ANAFRIC, we welcome these developments, which strengthen consumer protection and the protection of traditional designations, which are essential for highlighting the work and quality of the European livestock and meat sector.
