Dismay at EU bill to ban meat-product names on veggie items

Hanover, Germany (dpa) – A leading German vegan food supplier has warned that an EU vote on banning meat-product names like burgers or sausages on plant-based meat alternatives could lead to serious consequences for businesses and consumers.

Rügenwalder Mühle warned that costs in repackaging their products could rise to several million euros, with around 60 items likely affected by the legislation.

Rügenwalder – which claims to be Germany’s market leader in vegan and vegetarian substitutes – said further losses could amount to tens of millions of euros, as it estimates that up to 20 percent of its customer base could pull out following the regulation change.

The European Parliament is set to vote on a report on Wednesday that would reserve the use of terms such as steak, schnitzel, hamburger and sausage for products of animal origin.

Products such as soya-based burgers or tofu sausages would be banned under the legislation, which would also need to be passed by a majority of EU member states.

Rügenwalder Mühle said the plans are the wrong approach. A spokeswoman said that meat terms are important for consumers because they know what they can expect in terms of flavour.

“Schnitzel is not consumer deception if there is no meat in it,” she said.

The celeriac schnitzel has existed in German cuisine for more than 150 years, she said, rejecting arguments that consumers are misled by vegan products using terms usually referring to meat.

According to the company, Germany is the largest market for vegan food in Europe. Around 70 percent of the Rügenwalder portfolio is vegan. (7 October)