The European Parliament has voted to reserve the names of dairy products for produce that is derived from actual milk.
As part of a raft of amendments to a parliament proposal on regulations relating to the common organisation of the markets in agricultural products, the parliament adopted an amendment that would prevent other ‘substitute’ products from using those terms.
The regulation covers produce including milk itself, whey, cream, butter, buttermilk, cheese, and yogurt, among others.
The newly adopted amendment says that those names will be protected from:
- Any direct or indirect commercial use of the name for comparable products or products presented as capable of being substituted that not complying with the corresponding definition, in so far as such use exploits the reputation associated with the name;
- Any misuse or imitation, even if the composition or true nature of the product is indicated or accompanied by an expression such as ‘style’, ‘type’, ‘method’, ‘as produced in’, ‘imitation’, ‘flavour’, ‘substitute’, and ‘like’, or similar words and phrases;
- Any other commercial indication or practice likely to mislead the consumer as to the product’s true nature or composition.
Of the 692 MEPs that voted on the amendment today (Friday, October 23), 386 voted in favour and 290 voted against, with 16 abstentions.
Taking to social media after the announcement of the result of the vote, the European Dairy Association said it was “A good day for dairy, for European consumers and citizens; and for Europe.”