The German government’s stance remains fluid ahead of EU negotiations regarding a proposed ban on terms like “veggie burger” and “veggie sausage” highlighting a critical juncture in the bloc’s approach to labeling plant-based foods. A spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, responding to inquiries from the dts news agency, clarified that the initial prohibition decision was primarily a position adopted by the European Parliament. This will now proceed to a trilogue negotiation process, where the German government’s ultimate strategy is currently being determined internally.
The central tension revolves around the declared commitment of Berlin to consumer autonomy in food choices. Government officials assert a principle of allowing individuals to independently decide how they eat, what they buy and what they consume. This is ostensibly supported by a desire for “clear transparency and information” regarding products. However, the potential bureaucratic costs associated with enforcing a widespread labeling ban are drawing scrutiny, particularly given concerns about creating unnecessary administrative burdens.
The spokesperson stressed that any future measures must be carefully calibrated to minimize bureaucracy, explicitly stating that regulations should offer “added value” and not simply generate “more work”. This acknowledgement implicitly raises questions about the rationale behind the proposed ban and the extent to which the perceived benefits-primarily protecting the livestock industry-outweigh the potential drawbacks of increased regulatory complexity and restrictions on consumer choice. The trilogue negotiations are expected to be contentious, revealing the degree to which EU policy will prioritize agricultural lobbying versus consumer rights and market innovation in the burgeoning plant-based food sector.
