Switzerland’s Federal Supreme Court has banned plant-based meat products from using animal names like ‘chicken’ or ‘beef’ on labels, deeming them deceptive, while allowing terms like ‘steak’ or ‘fillet’ if paired with plant-based descriptors. The ruling overturns a 2022 Zurich court decision that permitted such labels after research showed 93% of consumers recognized Planted’s products as plant-based. The court argued the ban prevents confusion, though critics, including Planted co-founder Judith Wemmer, call it politically motivated and contradictory to Switzerland’s national nutrition strategy, which promotes plant-based diets. The decision aligns with outdated EU standards, despite the EU itself rejecting similar bans in 2021. Planted must now rename its products, while concerns grow that dairy alternatives could face similar restrictions. The move highlights tensions between regulatory clarity and sustainable food policy.
Source: Swiss Ban on Plant-Based Meat Labels ‘Contradictory’ to Nutrition Strategy