It was confirmed today that European Parliament representatives have withdrawn the proposals from EU negotiations over the Common Agricultural Policy, after a coalition of 21 environmental, consumer and animal welfare groups called on the EU to reject them. 

By banning any “direct or indirect use” or “evocation” of dairy products, the plans – known as Amendment 171 – would have introduced new restrictions which could have prevented plant-based dairy products from:

• Providing essential health and allergen information such as “lactose-free alternative to dairy milk”.
• Using packaging that is similar to those used for dairy products, such as cartons.
• Using images of the product being poured at a breakfast table, or white foam swirling in a cappuccino.
• Informing consumers about the climate impact of foods, such as by comparing the carbon footprint of plant-based and conventional dairy.
• Using helpful descriptors such as “creamy” or “buttery”.

You can read the full article HERE

Food Labelling Services comments:

The rejection of these proposed changes will allow more freedom to the plant based dairy alternative market. The use of Dairy terms will still be trestricted and protected by Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 (you cannot call dairy alternatives milk, cheese, butter etc..).