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Vegan Society welcomes European Parliament’s decision on product descriptions

27th May 2021 - 07:00
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The Vegan Society has announced they are pleased with the European Parliament’s decision to reject a ban meaning that dairy words such as ‘creamy’ and phrases like ‘alternative to’ will remain legal on plant-based milks, yoghurts, cheese and butter.

In February the Vegan Society alongside 21 international NGOs signed an open letter calling on the European Parliament to dismiss the ban and instead encourage a shift towards more plant-based diets.

October’s 'meat' terms ruling failed to provide evidence that consumers were mistaking ‘veggie burgers’ or ‘vegan sausages’ for meat. According to the Vegan Society there has never been any indication that people feel mislead by dairy alternatives.

Louise Davies, head of campaigns, policy and research at The Vegan Society, said: “We are pleased with the European Parliament’s decision. Now is not the time to be restricting the plant-based business sector.

“This was simply an attempt by the dairy industry to hold back the rise of the vegan movement and would have done absolutely nothing to support consumer understanding, instead it would have had a hugely negative impact on plant-based businesses, brands and manufacturers.”

With the scientific consensus confirming that plant-based diets are on the whole better for the environment, the Vegan Society believes governments need to be encouraging consumption of plant-based foods and supporting brands in this area.

PSC recently hosted Plant-Based Week to highlight how public sector catering teams are already responding to plant-based trends.

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Written by
Edward Waddell