When is a burger not a burger?
Why meat and plant-based food producers are at war over words
Vegetarian and vegan food companies are under attack for using words like ‘burger', ‘sausage’, or ‘steak’ to describe their meat-free products. The meat industry and some politicians argue such words can only be used to describe foods that came from an animal and that plant-based alternatives should come up with new names to avoid consumer confusion.
But can you really claim ownership of a word? And what’s in a name anyway – is this argument about transparency and trust or marketing and profits?
Willem Van Weede, CEO of Dutch plant-based food company Vivera argues the case with Jess Peterson, senior policy adviser at the US Cattlemen’s Association, which represents the beef industry.
Plus, language expert Carrie Gillon tells us the real origins of the word 'meat' and suggests some new names for plant-based alternatives.
Last on
More episodes
Previous
Next
Clip
![]()
Should vegan sausages be sold in the meat aisle?
Duration: 02:56
Broadcasts
- Thu 4 Jul 201902:32GMTBBC World Service Online, Europe and the Middle East & West and Central Africa only
- Thu 4 Jul 201903:32GMTBBC World Service UK DAB/Freeview
- Thu 4 Jul 201904:32GMTBBC World Service Australasia, Americas and the Caribbean, South Asia & East Asia only
- Thu 4 Jul 201910:32GMTBBC World Service except West and Central Africa
- Thu 4 Jul 201917:32GMTBBC World Service Australasia
- Thu 4 Jul 201921:32GMTBBC World Service except Europe and the Middle East
- Thu 4 Jul 201922:32GMTBBC World Service Europe and the Middle East
- Sun 7 Jul 201907:32GMTBBC World Service
Podcast
![]()
The Food Chain
Examining what it takes to put food on your plate



