Vegetarian burgers, mushroom schnitzel, and soy sausages nearly disappeared from Czech stores. Now Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný (KDU-ČSL) is reviving his proposal to protect traditional meat product names – but this time at the European level. The initiative to regulate naming conventions for meat and plant-based foods has gained support from 18 EU member states.
The Czech Republic, alongside other nations, is calling on the European Commission to protect names of animal-origin foods, similar to protections already in place for milk and dairy products since 2023. Advocates argue traditional names should be reserved exclusively for meat products, claiming plant-based alternatives may confuse consumers. Under current dairy regulations, plant-based milk is labeled as “plant drink” and yogurt alternatives as “dessert.”
This marks Výborný’s second reversal on the issue. Earlier this year, he withdrew a similar proposal following objections from government offices, the Chamber of Commerce, and trade associations, assuring the public that “customers are competent and know what they’re buying.” Five months later, the topic has resurfaced at the European forum, with the ministry spokesperson explaining that the goal is to harmonize food naming conventions across the EU.
The proposal has garnered significant support, including from France and Italy – the EU’s second and third largest economies – along with Ireland, Portugal, Austria, and Spain. However, it also faces opposition within Czechia. A coalition of manufacturers, retailers, organizations, and professional associations sent an open letter to Výborný urging him to abandon the proposal, arguing it represents unnecessary regulation that would harm innovation, business, and consumer-friendly language.
The Food Chamber of the Czech Republic, Meat Processors Association, and Agricultural Chamber welcome the protected names initiative. Food Chamber President Dana Večeřová stated: “The aim isn’t to restrict but to protect consumers and ensure clarity and fairness in the food market.” The chamber further argues that many plant-based products are incorrectly labeled as alternatives, suggesting “imitation” would be more accurate since “true alternatives should offer comparable composition and nutritional value.”