Brussels – 17/01/2025
The “veggie burger ban” saga continues in France with another devastating blow dealt to the government proposing the restrictions.
In October the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that the French government’s attempt to ban meaty names for plant-based foods is not allowed under EU law, unless very specific conditions are met. The government would first need to come up with legal definitions for meat products and the ban could only apply to products produced in France.
The case was then sent back to the French Court, the Conseil d’Etat, where a final hearing took place today, 17th of January. The ruling will be announced in the next weeks at an undefined date, but the Court’s Advocate-General is calling for a full stop of the ban.
An Advocate-General is responsible for assisting the Court and presenting an opinion on the cases with complete impartiality and independence.
In its final recommendations (only available in written after the ruling), the Advocate-General calls for the cancellation of both French decrees set to ban the denominations for plant-based products, stating that such bans are not compatible with EU law, namely Regulation 1169/2011 known and Food Information to Consumers (FIC). The position further argues that the decrees are not fit for purpose and recommends the government to pay the legal fees, completing what could be a landslide victory for plant-based foods.
Rafael Pinto, Senior Policy Manager at the European Vegetarian Union (EVU), involved in the case, stated: ‘’We welcome the position of the Advocate-General to fully stop these decrees and hope the final ruling follows suit”, adding that “This is the right decision for consumer protection and to safeguard the integrity and competitiveness of the EU market”.
For the EVU “These denominations’ ban attempts do nothing but confuse consumers, hinder healthier and more sustainable diets as well as the EU economy. The data is clear, consumers are not confused by the use of traditional denominations for plant-based products. Policymakers should be focused on promoting better conditions for farmers, citizens and innovation, instead of politicizing a non-issue”.
Background
The French Conseil d’Etat had in 2023 referred parts of a court case brought forward by the EVU, the Association Végétarienne de France (AVF) and Beyond Meat, to the ECJ. This referral was in response to the 2021 decree introduced by the French government that prohibited the use of “meaty” denominations for plant-based foods produced in the country. The EVU and other parties have argued that this decree’s compatibility with EU law is questionable, leading to the current proceedings. In October 2024, the ECJ ruled that the bans were not compatible with EU law. The case is now awaiting a final ruling in the French court.
For media inquiries, please contact: rafael.pinto@euroveg.eu
About the European Vegetarian Union:
The European Vegetarian Union (EVU) is the umbrella association of 46 civil society organisations in 28 countries. The EVU represents the voice of the growing number of European consumers shifting towards a more plant-based diet. As such, we advocate for a favourable food environment that makes it easier to choose more plant-based foods and dishes. www.euroveg.eu
