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 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.
Much like the words "fake steak" or "not really steak" wouldn't confuse me into thinking it was really real steak, just because the word "steak" is in there, "vegan steak" doesn't either, because I'm not incredibly stupid
No one was confused. The meat industry just successfully lobbied for these word bans because it makes marketing of alternative products more difficult. They've been trying to get similar word bans in many countries for years because they think it will improve their bottom line.
"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.
I'm glad that was cleared up. Now how can I tell if my swordfish steak is made from beef or not? Also I need a lot of help with these beefsteak tomatoes.
Within lemmy we understand the term vegan ham or vegan steak would mean it isn't flesh based it's plant based, but outside of lemmy I can see confusion happening.
We keep arguing for truth in advertising and truth in labeling.
While I'm not sure how to label a vegan ham without saying ham. That doesn't mean there isn't another term. Let's try to find that other term and use that term.
Easy. Mandate a massive green V on all vegan products. Now your shills aren't confused, and other consumers can happily decide if they want milk or a vegan alternative to milk, simply "V milk".
I'd argue "another term," is just more bs tactics by the meat conglomerates in an attempt to hurt the vegan market.
Claiming people are dumb and can't read is not an excuse to pass these kinds of laws.