Why the Dutch Food Authority is taking action against “plant-based mince”

Unexpectedly, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) has warned various brand manufacturers and retailers that they are not allowed to use the term “minced” for vegetarian products. The sector has reacted with surprise.

Not a high priority

The Vegetarian Butcher, Vivera and Albert Heijn, among others, have received a warning from the NVWA: they are not allowed to use the name minced meat for vegetarian products. The food authority refers to the “Commodities Act Decree on meat, minced meat, and meat products,” which specifies when a product may be called minced meat. This is remarkable, because that law dates from 1998 and until now, producers of plant-based minced meat have been left alone.