Battle over EU ban on ‘veggie burger’ label reaches key vote

Farmers accuse plant-based food producers of cultural hijacking' before key parliament vote

The terms veggie burger" and veggie sausage" could be banned by the EU next week when the European parliament votes on proposals that would also outlaw descriptions such as yoghurt-style" and cheese-like" for plant-based alternatives to dairy products.

Sales of these products are growing fast but farming and meat lobbyists say the terms mislead people and amount to a cultural hijacking" of the meat industry. Opponents, backed by major food companies including Unilever and Nestle, say the claims of consumer confusion are ridiculous. They say a ban would also contradict the EU's drive to help consumers choose more sustainable food and cut climate-heating emissions.