Media Release – August – September 2023

French government makes second attempt to ban 'plant-based steak' label, September 1, Le Monde

The naming battle over plant-based steak and burger alternatives has reignited. A year ago, the Conseil d’État (French High Court) suspended the first decree, issued at the end of June 2022, which banned the use of butcher terms to describe plant-based products. On August 23, the French government submitted a new text to the European Commission. In this draft decree, the government addressed the Conseil d’État’s concerns that the initial text was too vague. The new proposal includes a list of 21 terms that are prohibited for use in describing “foodstuffs containing plant-based proteins.”

The Environmental Protection Agency deleted its tweet advising consumers to reduce red meat consumption following objections from the Irish Farmers Association. August 29, RTE Ireland

A tweet advocating for consumers to reduce red meat consumption was deleted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) following objections from the Irish Farmers Association (IFA). The tweet, published on the EPA's X account, encouraged consumers to "try vegetable-based recipes" and to "gradually reduce your red meat consumption: vegetable-based lunches, Meatless Mondays, etc." It also highlighted that 10% of purchased meat ends up being wasted. After a complaint from the IFA, the EPA responded to the agricultural organization, stating that its intention was not to provoke anger but to share helpful advice, though it acknowledged that the message may have been perceived differently.

German lawmakers propose tax reduction on plant-based milk alternatives, August 29, Green Queen

German lawmakers Tim Klüssendorf (SPD) and Bruno Hönel (Green Party) have proposed changes to the country’s tax laws to reduce taxes on plant-based milk alternatives in order to better reflect consumer needs. Currently, dairy products are taxed at 7%, while plant-based milk alternatives face a 19% tax. The SPD and the Greens are pushing for a fair VAT rate during the annual tax law negotiations.

‘Beef Tax’ - Denmark Explores Ways to Combat Climate Change, August 28, Euronews

Beef consumption in Denmark contributes to eight million tons of CO2 emissions annually, accounting for 40% of the country's emission reduction target. The government has not ruled out addressing the issue through taxation. Danish Tax Minister Jeppe Bruus stated, "We are looking at all possibilities. This partly means that we are in the process of restructuring our food industry and, among other things, examining how we can tax beef production. Of course, we will also look at potential consumption taxes and whether they will be utilized."