K A S H R U T . C O M_©

DAIRY LOBBY’S AMENDMENT 171 IS REJECTED BY THE EU PARLIAMENT

May 25, 2021 from Vegconomist

"The EU has rejected plans for unprecedented restrictions on plant-based dairy. EU leaders have dropped plans to impose new restrictions on plant-based dairy products, which could have banned them from displaying allergen information, being sold in cartons and using images of their own products. Terms such as “milk” and “yogurt” are still forbidden."

"t was confirmed today that European Parliament representatives have withdrawn the proposals from EU negotiations over the Common Agricultural Policy, after a coalition of 21 environmental, consumer and animal welfare groups called on the EU to reject them. Climate activist Greta Thunberg had also spoken out against the plans, and over 450,000 people had signed a petition calling on the EU to drop them."

EU Parliament Rejects ‘Veggie Burger Ban’ But Supports ‘Dairy Ban’ Against Vegan Producers

October 16, 2020 from Plant Based News

"The vote in support of the so-called 'dairy-ban' has been branded a major blow to the plant-based dairy sector by food advocacy organizations."

"The European Parliament has voted to reject a 'veggie burger ban' forbidding vegan producers from using terms like 'burger'."

"However, while MEPs voted against this proposal, they voted in favor of another amendment known as the ‘dairy ban’. This would stop plant-based dairy producers from using descriptive terms. "

"At this time, EU law already bans the use of terms including ‘almond milk’ or ‘vegan cheese’. However, the new rules would go further. "

"Consequently, descriptors such as 'yogurt-style' and 'cheese-alternative' could now be banned too. In addition, the rules could prevent companies from using packaging styles such as butter blocks and milk cartons."

"Currently, both votes are subject to final approval, as part of a wider vote on CAP reform later today."

"By banning any “direct or indirect use” or “evocation” of dairy products, the plans – known as Amendment 171 – would have introduced new restrictions which could have prevented plant-based dairy products from:

• Providing essential health and allergen information such as “lactose-free alternative to dairy milk”.
• Using packaging that is similar to those used for dairy products, such as cartons.
• Using images of the product being poured at a breakfast table, or white foam swirling in a cappuccino.
• Informing consumers about the climate impact of foods, such as by comparing the carbon footprint of plant-based and conventional dairy.
• Using helpful descriptors such as “creamy” or “buttery”. "