Not ‘Mylk’: Plant-Based Industry to Fight New UK Proposal That Could Force Alt-Dairy Products to Change Their Labels

The UK is considering imposing new guidance that would ban plant-based dairy companies from using terms like 'mylk', 'cheeze', or 'yoghurt-style' on their packaging. This move follows a 1987 EU law that prohibits these companies from using traditional dairy terms on labels. The plant-based industry is pushing back against these proposed rules, arguing that consumers are not confused about these products and that the regulations would only add unnecessary bureaucracy and financial costs to the industry already struggling during times of economic crisis.

Despite objections from the vegan sector, the guidance, if imposed, could have severe consequences for plant-based companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises. The new rules would be even stricter than the EU's regulations and could hinder the growth of the plant-based milk sector in the UK. The guidance is expected to be shared with trading standards officials nationwide, but there are currently no plans to change existing legislation in this area.