Federal Court bans animal names for meat substitutes
Switzerland
May 09, 2025
Following an appeal by the Federal Department of the Interior, the Second Court of Public Law overturned a decision by the Zurich Administrative Court, which, unlike the cantonal laboratory, had ruled that the use of animal breed names for vegan meat substitutes was permitted.
The majority of judges found that the terms "planted chicken," "chicken-like," and "pork-like," used by Planted Foods for its pea protein-based meat substitutes, were misleading to consumers.
The ruling states that references to specific animal species on plant-based foods are incompatible with national food labelling law, which requires that product information accurately reflects its contents. Terms traditionally linked to meat from animals are not allowed on vegan items, even when prefaced with qualifiers such as “plant-based” or “vegan.” According to the court, such usage constitutes consumer deception.
This decision reverses a 2022 ruling from the Zurich Administrative Court, which had initially found that terms like “planted.chicken” were not misleading when used in conjunction with clear vegan labelling. That judgment followed a complaint by Zurich’s cantonal laboratory, which oversees local food safety enforcement, and objected to the use of meat-associated names on plant-based packaging.
For further information (in French), click on the Link
Governor enacts truth in Labeling Bill for plant or insect protein products
USA
May 12, 2025
Council of State cancels the ban on naming plant-based food products with terms for animal-based foods
France
Jan 30, 2025
Ministry of Agriculture will implement the amendment on the labelling of plant-based alternatives to meat products
Czech Republic
Jan 27, 2025
New draft guidance on the labeling of plant-based foods
USA
Jan 10, 2025
Draft amendment would change would restrict labeling of plant-based products
Czech Republic
Dec 13, 2024
USA - Regulations and International Testing Standards
USA
Dec 12, 2024
MAPA discusses proposal for regulation of plant products of animal origin
Brazil
Sep 20, 2024
Argentina publishes list of edible algae and maximum permitted levels of arsenic
Argentina
Aug 22, 2024
Thai FDA publishes new draft regulation on plant-based food
Thailand
May 30, 2024
Argentina amends Food Code to include plant-based beverages
Argentina
May 08, 2024
France calls for a “clear” definition of synthetic meat at European level
France
Feb 12, 2024
New measures for "imitation” and “cell-cultured” meat and poultry
USA
Feb 09, 2024
New proposal to rule mislabeled egg alternatives
USA
Jan 18, 2024
Wisconsin to ban the term "milk" on plant based dairy alternatives
USA
Jan 18, 2024
FAO publishes its work on new food sources and production systems
Codex
Dec 06, 2023
