Three Spanish associations join together to defend the authenticity of animal origin products
For this reason, the three entities have met with the General Director of Consumer Affairs, Daniel Arribas, in order to present the joint initiative that they will call #EveryThingForItsName, with which they intend to raise public opinion about the true composition of said vegan foods, and the need to act from the Public Administrations, both at the Consumer level, reviewing the Spanish shelves under the principles of the food information regulations for the consumer in terms of mentions on the packaging or advertising of the product, as well as developing new specific legislation.
In this regard, although the European Consumer Information Regulation 1169/2011 includes elements of action, the meeting discussed draft legislative measures that are being produced in France, 2023/0510/FR, or Italy, 2023/0469/IT, with decrees already sent to TRIS that seek to restrict the commercial names of products of animal origin by establishing minimum percentages of content in the ingredients, among other measures. These decrees should constitute a working basis for the ministry in its defense of the Mediterranean diet, an internationally recognized and scientifically proven diet against new vegan trends that employ unfair competition.
A similar situation was experienced in the past with milk and dairy products. Until a few years ago, it was common to find plant-based products on the market with names specific to milk and dairy products, such as "oat milk" or "tofu cheese", among others.
This dispute led to the Judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union of June 14, 2017, which concluded that plant products cannot be marketed with names such as "milk", "cream", "butter", "cheese" or "yogurt" since they are concepts reserved by European Union Law for products of animal origin.
Taking into account the legislative and judicial response given to the dairy sector for the protection of the proper designations of products of animal origin, it would seem incoherent to give a different response for the rest of the products of animal origin.
It is enough to read the ingredients of these vegan foods to understand that they are derived from vegetable proteins, in some cases ultra-processed, made with the aim of imitating and displacing products of animal origin, presenting themselves as advantageous in the field of health, the environmental character and even from an ethical perspective. To do this, they do not hesitate to use names such as “vegan tuna or chicken", as well as false advertising messages alluding to the fact that their consumption benefits the environment or is more responsible.
As a reminder, the three associative entities highlighted that nutrition must be varied and balanced. In this sense, products of animal origin incorporate a unique digestive matrix, with authentic and incomparable elements, related to the quality of their proteins (essential amino acids), or key micronutrients, such as minerals and vitamins, without forgetting the essential Omega 3 fatty acids, present in fish. These vegan foods can never nutritionally replace products of animal origin.
Regarding sustainability, an argument in which many of these foods abound, we subscribe to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee that considers that sustainability labels or declarations that are not based on a widely recognized certification regime should be prohibited. Therefore, it lacks a rigorous comparison of the carbon or water footprint that these vegan foods produce, or the origin of their ingredients, which could precisely conclude the opposite, being more harmful to the environment.
Finally, it must be remembered that Spain is a world power in the food industry, its socioeconomic contribution being vital to many coastal and rural areas, helping with its activity to support thousands of families and with standards of responsibility or animal welfare recognized worldwide, that demonstrate the good choice of consuming Spanish products of animal origin.
It is expected that this initiative will generate deep reflection in the Spanish government and invite it to act, legislating in accordance with France and Italy, thus demonstrating its defense of loyal, truthful and transparent food information, which does not mislead the consumer.
Because a "pea mix" is not a "vegan pork rib", let's call #EveryThingByItsName.
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