“PLANT-BASED CENSORSHIP” AS UK GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS RESTRICTIONS FOR NON-DAIRY TERMINOLOGY

By Gaynor Selby

of ProVeg International, tells FoodIngredientsFirst.

“The guidance document was drawn up by a group called the Food Standards, and Information Focus Group and the plant-based sector was not consulted. Importantly, this can result in a major new approach without it having gone through parliament, which is undemocratic. We hope that in doing so, we can further engage with Defra on this guidance in a way we have not had an opportunity to do until now,” she continues.

What could it mean for industry?

De Boo explains how, if any ban or restriction on terminology came in, it would be very challenging and costly for plant-based manufacturers and brands.

Concerns are growing over the possibility UK government officials could tighten up labeling rules for dairy-free plant-based alternatives, effectively banning dairy-like terms such as “milk” and “butter.” At the same time, plantbased advocates believe the US

Food and Drink Administration (FDA) is also pondering plant-based wording restrictions.

The controversy surrounding what names should be allowed for plant-based products is again heating up amid claims from ProVeg International that the UK government is considering a ban on dairy descriptor names.

ProVeg International – a food awareness organization working to transform the global food system – brands this “outrageous and unnecessary censorship,” while UK government officials claim it would help clear up consumer confusion about what’s on the label, helping people better understand what is in their food and beverage products.

Draft opinion in progress

However, the Department for Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) says in a statement sent to FoodIngredientsFirst that local authority Trading Standards officers are currently leading on the development of “a draft opinion on enforcement of current label rules which already exist.”

Defra does not explicitly mention a ban at this stage or go into detail about what’s in the draft opinion.

“There are clear rules in place so shoppers are not misled by labels and can buy with confidence. These include long-standing rules reserving use of specific dairy terms, including ‘milk’ and ‘butter,’ exclusively for milk and milk products,” the statement reads.

“As a normal part of this process, a range of stakeholder views, including from plant-based food manufacturers, are being carefully considered.”

But, ProVeg insists it has not been consulted, and neither have other key players in the plant-based industry.

“We are in the process of writing a letter to Defra pointing out how damaging this guidance will be and how undemocratic the process has been in drafting it,” Jasmijn de Boo, vice president

“It would mean that brands that have to fight any enforcement action through legal means will incur huge expenses through a tribunal. For smaller brands, this process could potentially cause them to fold. If brands do not win a legal challenge, then they would have to re-label and incur even more costs. All this would be totally unnecessary as consumers are not confused by the existing labels,” she explains.

Forcing companies to use made-up names that are alien to consumers who are looking for a functional replacement of dairy in their coffee, breakfast and pancake recipe is really unhelpful toward the growing number of flexitarians who are increasingly seeking out plant-based products.

“Moreover, given the climate crisis, we don’t understand why plantbased options that support the climate should be made harder to access,” adds de Boo.

“Victory for common sense”

The EU’s previously proposed “plant-based dairy censorship” was defeated in 2021.

To be continued on page 19

The European Parliament, the European Council, and the European Commission rejected Amendment 171, which would have meant severe restrictions for plant-based dairy products.

ProVeg International challenged the amendment as an attack on environmental sustainability. It gathered support from nearly half a million consumers who signed its petition and worked extensively behind the scenes, monitoring the situation, speaking to key actors, and gathering support from organizations and companies across the plantbased sector.

Last year, in South Africa and France, attempts at censorship were temporarily thwarted through legal means.

Also, last year, Turkey banned the production of plant-based cheese, notes de Boo.

Restrictions in the US?

She also claims there is a similar movement in the US.

“The US FDA is currently sitting on guidance which we believe will effectively ban the term “milk” when it is published, possibly in the next few weeks,” she reveals.

“This is happening because the international meat and dairy industry is failing to see the transition to plant-based food as the huge opportunity it really is, and as a necessity to address climate change.”

“Some companies are embracing both animal and plant-based products, which is good, but the rest of the industry needs to recognize the value of the shift to a plant-based diet for their businesses and also for the climate. We are truly concerned about this global trend and hope there will not be further attempts at censorship.”

Defra also claims that its policy does not conflict with its support for food innovation, including in the rapidly developing plantbased food sector.

The draft is currently in progress, and a range of views on potential interpretations have been considered, it flags. n

ARJUN BHARADWAJ Founder and CEO of SolutionBuggy

The nutraceutical food industry encompasses the production of foods and dietary supplements that offer health and medical benefits beyond basic nutrition has seen exponential growth in recent years. This industry has been driven by an increasing awareness of the role of diet in maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases, as well as advancements in food science and technology that have made it possible to create new and innovative products. Consumers are increasingly looking for foods that not only provide basic nutrition but also offer additional health benefits, such as improved digestion, stronger immunity, or reduced risk of certain diseases. As a result, the nutraceutical food industry has been expanding rapidly, with new products and companies entering the market regularly.

This growth is expected to continue in the coming years, driven by a growing demand from healthconscious consumers and an ageing population that is more interested in maintaining their health and wellness. In particular, the functional food segment of the nutraceutical food industry is expected to see significant growth, as more consumers look for food products that offer specific health benefits. This presents a significant opportunity for food processing industries, as they can capitalise on this trend by developing and marketing new products that meet the growing demand for nutraceutical foods.

Types of Nutraceutical Products Available:

Some common types of nutraceutical products include probiotics, which are live microorganisms that can help improve gut health. Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates that can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Another popular category is functional foods, which are foods that have been fortified with additional nutrients or ingredients that may have health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins and minerals are often added to functional foods. Another type of nutraceutical product is herbal supplements, which are made from natural plant-based ingredients and can be used to address specific health concerns. Overall, nutraceutical products are diverse and can be incorporated into a variety of food and beverage products, making it easier for consumers to get the health benefits they are looking for in their daily diets.

Current Trends in The Nutraceutical Food Industry:

The nutraceutical food industry is currently seeing a shift towards natural and organic ingredients, as consumers become increasingly interested in the health benefits of these products. In addition, functional foods and beverages, such as those fortified with probiotics or vitamins, are becoming more mainstream as consumers look for ways to improve their overall health and well-being. Another trend in the industry is the use of technology such as bioactive compounds extraction, encapsulation and fortification to enhance the nutritional value of food products. The industry is also seeing an increase in trend towards plant-based and organic foods, as well as an increase in fortified or enhanced nutraceutical products. Finally, the industry is also seeing an increase in the demand for sustainably sourced ingredients, as well as products that are free from contaminants, allergens, and GMOs. As a result, many food processing companies are reformulating their products to meet these changing consumer preferences and to stay competitive in the market.

Future Outlook of Nutraceutical Food Industry:

The future outlook of the nutraceutical food industry looks very promising with a lucrative growth potential. Food processing industries can benefit from this trend by incorporating nutraceutical ingredients into their products and marketing them as functional foods. However, it is important for companies to ensure that their products are safe and meet regulatory requirements. Nutritional and functional food products such as dietary supplements and functional beverages are rapidly gaining popularity and as a result, the global nutraceuticals market size is expected to expand at a CAGR of 9.0% from 2021 to 2030. If you are interested in starting a nutraceutical food industry, contact SolutionBuggy and get all the services under one roof. SolutionBuggy with a team of 1,500 food consultants, assist you in every step to grow your food processing industry as a market leader n