France Just Suspended Its Ban On Words Like ‘Steak’ For Plant Foods

France has suspended its ban on using words like "steak" on plant-based food labels, reversing a decree issued by the government in February. The ban, which was set to go into effect on May 1, 2024, also included 20 other terms associated with cuts of meat and animal proteins. The country's top administrative court has deemed the ban to be legally questionable and has suspended it until the European Union's Court of Justice can review and rule on it.

Meat and dairy companies have long protested the use of traditionally meaty words on plant-based products, citing potential confusion for consumers. However, critics argue that removing familiar words like "steak" and "sausage" could actually confuse shoppers. Belgium recently put a similar ban on hold, and the European Parliament has voted against a proposal to ban meaty terms from plant-based products. More than half of Europeans are now opting to reduce their meat consumption, in line with efforts towards sustainable and healthy food systems through plant-based diets.