The names of meat products will be protected – the European Commission’s new proposal shows the way

According to the two organizations, the proposal is an important step forward in protecting consumers, in the transparency of the food chain and in recognizing the work of farmers involved in animal husbandry. The aim is for the names to accurately reflect the true composition and origin of the product – similar to the stricter regulations already in force in the dairy sector.

The “Words Matter” campaign has long stressed the urgent need for a legal framework that helps consumers clearly distinguish between animal products and plant-based or laboratory-produced alternatives. These imitations are often highly processed and have a different nutritional profile – their misleading marketing can distort the market and undermine informed consumer decisions.

The European Commission’s proposal therefore not only aims to clarify names, but also to promote transparency within the internal market, in particular with regard to the composition and nutritional content of foods. This could be particularly important for consumers who base their purchasing decisions on the traditional nutritional values of meat products.

The issue is further heightened by an upcoming study by EAT Europe that analyses food sustainability issues. The report will be presented at the European Parliament on 14 October 2025, at an event organised by MEP Herranz Garcia. The presentation will also be attended by Oliver Várhelyi, the European Union Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare.