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France tries to ban meat-like terms for vegetarian products again, and fails

France

Apr 11, 2024

The French government has been trying to outlaw the use of terms such as "ham", "charcuterie", and "steak" since June 2022, when a Decree prohibited the use of these terms for plant-based products. Back then, within a month, the Council of State (Conseil d'État) suspended the Decree as it was found to be inconsistent with certain preliminary answers given by the European Court of Justice (CJEU).

Following the publication in February 2024 of Decree No. 2024-144, the Council of State has now again suspended the measure banning the use of certain names to designate foods containing vegetable proteins. According to the Council, the newly issued Decree could be in conflict with Regulation No. 1169/2011 on the Food Information to Consumers. Therefore, it is necessary to await the answer of the CJEU on this matter, to which the Council sent its preliminary questions last July. The CJEU's advice is expected in the coming months.

For further information (in French), click on the Link

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