The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled that plant-based products can be labeled with terms traditionally associated with meat, such as "steak," "meatballs," or "sausages." This decision is based on the fact that there is no significant risk of consumers being misled about the nature of the products, as long as the labeling is clear and transparent.

The case reflects a broader debate about the labeling of plant-based food products in a context where demand for vegan or vegetarian alternatives is growing. The Court upheld that terms like "steak" or "sausage" are not exclusively reserved for meat products, as long as the description is clear and not misleading to consumers.

This ruling has significant implications for the food industry, as it legitimizes the use of familiar names for plant-based products, facilitating their integration into the market and addressing growing environmental and health concerns related to meat consumption.