• The European Parliament has voted to prohibit the use of meat-related terms on plant-based and cultivated protein products, as part of its first reading adoption of the legislative proposal A10-0161/2025. This proposal amends Regulations (EU) No 1308/2013, (EU) 2021/2115, and (EU) 2021/2116.
  • Under the proposed changes to Annex VII of Regulation 1308/2013, the term “meat” would be defined exclusively as “the edible parts of an animal,” and a list of designations (including “beef,” “chicken,” “ribs,” and “bacon”) would be reserved for products derived solely from animal sources at all stages of marketing. The proposal explicitly states that these terms shall exclude cell-cultured products.
  • Supporters of the measure argue that using meat-related descriptors for non-animal products can mislead consumers and undermine the cultural and economic value of traditional farming. Opponents counter that consumers are not confused by current labeling practices and that familiar terms help consumers make informed choices. Critics also warn that the ban could stifle innovation and contradict EU goals related to sustainability and food system modernization.
  • Similar pushback against plant-based and cellular agriculture has been developing in the United States. In early 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued draft guidance recommending that plant-based products include clear statements of identity specifying the plant source (e.g., “soy-based chicken”) to avoid misleading consumers. As we have previously blogged, several states—including Florida, Texas, and Nebraska—have enacted bans on the sale of “lab-grown” meat, citing concerns over food safety, transparency, and the protection of traditional agriculture.
  • The legislative proposal in the EU must still undergo further review by the European Commission and the governments of the EU’s 27 member states before it can become law.
  • Keller and Heckman will continue to monitor developments related to the labeling and regulation of plant-based and alternative proteins.