The Czech Republic is reviving its push to protect traditional meat product names—this time, across the European Union.

Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný (KDU-ČSL) has submitted a proposal supported by 18 EU member states, calling on the European Commission to restrict plant-based producers from using terms like “vegan sausage” or “soy schnitzel.”

The move echoes existing rules around dairy alternatives, where terms like “milk” or “yogurt” are reserved exclusively for animal-based products.

Supporters argue that consumers can be misled by familiar meat-related terms used on plant-based packaging. Critics, however, say the proposal reflects pressure from industrial meat lobbies—not a genuine concern for transparency.

At a June meeting of EU agriculture ministers in Luxembourg, Deputy Minister Miroslav Skřivánek claimed such a policy would “protect consumers from misleading information” and reduce fragmented food labeling rules across Europe.

Backing the Czech initiative are heavyweights France and Italy, as well as Ireland, Austria, Portugal, and Spain. In contrast, domestic reaction has been mixed.

Just one week after the proposal was introduced, a coalition of Czech food producers, retailers, and associations issued an open letter urging Výborný to withdraw the proposal. Signatories included Globus, Rohlik.cz, the Czech Trade and Tourism Association, and the Association of Hotels and Restaurants.

The letter calls the measure unnecessary regulation, arguing that most consumers understand what plant-based products are, even if they’re labeled as burgers or sausages. “It’s the opposite of what the government claims to support: less bureaucracy and a fair business environment,” the letter says.

“We’re appealing to the European Commission to unify labeling rules for animal-based products across all member states,” said ministry spokesperson Vojtěch Bílý.

The Food Chamber of the Czech Republic, the Meat Processors Association, and the Agricultural Chamber back the move. Their argument: clarity.

“There’s confusion in the marketplace. We’re not looking to restrict innovation—we want to ensure that consumers aren’t misled by names that don’t reflect the product’s actual content,” said Dana Večeřová, president of the Food Chamber.

The chamber also criticizes how many plant-based products are marketed as ‘alternatives.’ In their view, “imitation” would be a more accurate label unless the nutritional content mirrors the original.

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