The government’s decree is a response to a long-standing complaint by the meat industry that terms like ‘vegetarian ham’ or ‘vegan sausage’ were confusing for consumers.

The French government issued a decree on Tuesday, February 27, banning the term “steak” on the label of vegetarian products, saying it was reserved for meat alone. Other terms that can no longer be used for meat-free products include “escalope,” “ham,” “filet” and “prime rib,” according to the decree.

The ruling is a response to a long-standing complaint by the meat industry that terms like “vegetarian ham” or “vegan sausage” were confusing for consumers. It is based on a 2020 law whose application was temporarily suspended by the State Council in June 2022 after a complaint from Proteines France, a consortium of French companies selling plant-based food.

  • gaael@lemmy.world
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    4 months ago

    No one was ever confused. During this time, a shitty sausage brand puts out “vegetal sausages” made frome peas… and eggs.

    • grue@lemmy.world
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      4 months ago

      “Sausage” is different, in that it implies ground up food stuffed in a casing, but not necessarily meat. For example, consider some of the abominations this guy makes.

      • rmuk@feddit.uk
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        4 months ago

        I know what that link is without clicking. Here we go!

        🎵Baaap 🎵Baaap-Baaap 🎵Baaap… 🎵Baaap. Thonk.