Why South Africa’s Vegan Meat Will Stay On Supermarket Shelves (For Now)

Plant-based meat products in South Africa have been granted an extended reprieve until May 2023, protecting them from being seized off supermarket shelves. This comes after the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development banned the use of "meaty" terms to describe vegan foods, citing concerns over misleading consumers. The move was supported by the South African Meat Processors Association, but was met with opposition from advocacy groups like ProVeg South Africa.

ProVeg South Africa has been a vocal supporter of the plant-based sector and has actively campaigned against the labeling ban. With the recent extension of the court order, plant-based products with meaty names can continue to be legally sold in South Africa. The group has also made waves by organizing a large vegan barbecue event, showcasing the growing popularity and acceptance of plant-based foods in the country.