Plant-Based Products Hit with Labeling Restrictions in Switzerland and the Netherlands
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Politics & Law
Plant-Based Products Hit with Labeling Restrictions in Switzerland and the Netherlands
Vegconomist • Oct 28, 2025
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) has issued a warning to several companies, including major producers of plant-based meat substitutes, about using the term “minced meat” on product labels. This restriction, stemming from a 1998 law that reserves the term for products derived from animal sources, has affected manufacturers and retailers alike, including major supermarket chains. While some, like The Vegetarian Butcher, have used the term for over 15 years to make it easier for consumers to understand the products, the NVWA's enforcement could hinder the transition to more sustainable protein sources.

In a related development, Swiss food regulators have also imposed restrictions on the use of animal species names in marketing plant-based products. The Swiss Federal Supreme Court's ruling prohibits terms like “chicken” or “pork” in describing plant-based alternatives, creating a debate on the labeling of plant-based products across Europe. Despite these challenges, companies like Planted Foods are continuing their mission of providing popular, climate-friendly, and innovative plant-based products.
*This summary was generated using AI.
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