European Union (EU) lawmakers recently reopened a debate over banning the use of ‘meaty’ terms for plant-based alternatives.
In March, the European Parliament, Council and Commission reached a compromise with plant-based groups regarding a regulation that strengthens the position of farmers in the food supply chain.
Regulation (EU) 2026/1739 – which entered into force 18 August and amends Regulations (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO), 2021/2115 (CAP strategic plans) and 2021/2116 (CAP financing) – includes a stricter definition of ‘meat.’
Under the new regulation, 31 terms, including ‘beef,’ ‘chicken,’ ‘bacon,’ ‘steak’ and ‘liver,’ are reserved for animal products. As a concession, format-based descriptions, like ‘burger’ and ‘nugget,’ remain available to those selling plant-based alternatives.
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