A BLOW has been struck for the dairy sector by the European Union’s Court of Justice, which has ruled that the term ‘milk’ can only be used for products derived from animals – and not for drinks based on plant sources like soya, tofu or almonds.

There has been some concerns in recent times over whether plant-based products can be marketed with the terms 'milk', 'cheese', 'butter' or 'yoghurt'. Following a case taken against a German company that produces and distributes vegetarian and vegan foods as dairy alternatives, the EU court ruled this week that only animal products can use dairy nomenclature – with the exception of 'cream', which has a long established and understood association with some soups and alcoholic drinks.

The European Dairy Association hailed "a good day for dairy" and praised Europe's lawmakers for clarifying the principle. Secretary general Alexander Anton said: “The unique and natural blend of micro- and macronutrients of milk and dairy products cannot be matched by any plant-based products.

“The European Court of Justice ruling protects European consumers. Dairy terms like ‘milk’, ‘butter’, ‘whey’, ‘cheese’ or ‘yogurt’ cannot be used by vegetable ersatz-products. Even in explaining the difference on the packaging, those plant-based products are not allowed to misuse our dairy terms for marketing their products.

“This is a good day for dairy, a good day for European citizens and a good day for Europe,” he added.