France’s Conseil d’État has suspended a government decree proposing to ban food producers from using plant-based meat descriptors. The ban was intended to take effect on May 1st but has been met with resistance from the supreme administrative court. The court expressed “serious doubts about the legality” of the ban and highlighted the harm it would cause to manufacturers selling exclusively plant-based products.
In February, the Ministry of Agriculture in France attempted to enforce a ban on plant-based manufacturers using meat terms like steak, ham, and butcher. The proposal also limited the amount of plant-based protein allowed in products using animal-based terms. For example, products labeled as bacon could only contain a maximum of 0.5% plant-protein. Producers faced fines ranging from €1,500 ($1,609) to €7,500 for non-compliance.
This is the second time the Conseil d’État has suspended such a decree in France. Following the first suspension in 2022, a request to annul the decree was sent to the EU Court of Justice in July 2023. The court is still awaiting a response, expected in the coming months.
In response to the latest decision, Nicolas Schweitzer, co-founder and CEO of La Vie, a plant-based bacon and ham company, hailed the suspension as a victory. He emphasized the need for vigilance in the plant-based sector as French meat lobbyists may continue pushing for the ban’s implementation. Cedric Meston, co-founder of HappyVore, another meat alternatives brand, also praised the decision for preventing unfair competition between French and foreign producers.
The fight for the preservation of the French industry and agriculture continues. Stay updated on food and beverage industry trends and consumer insights by signing up for our daily news round-up. Gain a competitive edge with our leading industry insights. The war may not be over, but with continued vigilance and advocacy, the plant-based sector can protect its interests and contribute to the reindustrialization of France.
