These names may only be used for meat products

According to the European Parliament, terms such as steak, ribeye, bacon and chop may only be used for meat products. Parliament has approved new rules aimed at providing greater clarity on the use of meat-related terms. The measure is part of a broader package designed to strengthen the position of farmers in the food supply chain.

List of protected meat terms

Parliament introduces a definition of meat as “edible parts of animals.” It also establishes a list of terms that may be used exclusively for meat products. The list includes beef, veal, pork, chicken, turkey, duck, goose, lamb, mutton, goat, steak, entrecôte, ribeye, bacon, chop, breast, thigh, liver, loin, ribs and drumstick.

Under the proposed rules, these terms may not be used for products that do not contain meat, including cell-based products and products cultivated in laboratories. Parliament states that this should increase transparency within the internal market and help consumers make informed choices.

Part of a broader agricultural package

The rules on meat-related terms are included in a proposal through which the European Union aims to strengthen the position of farmers in the food supply chain. The proposal includes measures related to contracts, pricing and the role of producer organisations. Additional measures are also planned for the dairy sector. Written contracts will become mandatory to support the income of dairy producers.

Rapporteur Céline Imart described the agreement as a major victory for farmers. According to her, the measures strengthen their market position and legal protection. Before the new rules can take effect, the agreement must also be approved by the Council.

Europarl.europa.eu