top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

MP wants ban on ‘veggie steaks’ using word ‘steak’

A member of Parliament wants to ban the use of meat-related terms such as “steak”, “fillet”, “bacon” and “sausage” from vegetarian mock-meat products, calling the current labelling “misleading”.

Jean-Baptiste Moreau, an LREM MP and professional farmer, has tabled an amendment that would make it illegal to use meat-related terms on non-meat products, or those that mix some meat with other non-meat ingredients such as soy.

This would include the use of the words such as “steak” on “veggie steak” products or “sausages” on “vegetarian sausages”, which are, despite their meat-related name, usually made from vegetable or soy ingredients instead.

If successful, the change in law would apply to “all products that are not entirely, or not at all, made up of meat”.

Mr Moreau has argued that the current labelling laws cause confusion among consumers, who may - he said - believe that they are eating pure, high-quality meat instead of a meat-and-soy (or even solely soy or vegetable) product.

The use of meat-related words on non-meat products also dilutes the impact of high-quality production standards of real meat, he added.

He said: “This is simply a misleading marketing practice.

“For example, a meat and vegetable-based preparation, such as soy, which is very profitable for the producer compared to a pure beef steak, can be marketed in a way that gives the consumer the impression that they are eating meat.”

Mr Moreau’s tabled amendment comes less than a year after the European Court of Justice ruled that dairy-related terms, such as “milk”, “cream”, “chantilly” and “cheese”, are only allowed to be used on products made with real animal milk.

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France