Mislabeling Scandal at COP29 Sparks Criticism Over Meat and Dairy Offerings

COP29, the annual UN climate conference, has come under fire for selling mislabeled meat and dairy products as vegan and vegetarian, intensifying the controversy surrounding its food choices.

Activists and attendees have expressed frustration, citing the menu as counterproductive to the event’s environmental objectives.

The Labeling Debacle

The issue came to light when Plant Based Treaty, a prominent advocacy group, shared a video exposing mislabeling errors at food stalls.

Climate activist Shreya Ghodawat highlighted several mislabeled dishes, including a “vegan” bagel containing feta cheese and a salad marked with a vegan symbol but containing salmon.

When confronted, servers reportedly dismissed the errors as “printing mistakes.” Other mislabeled items included “vegan” toast with cream cheese and “vegetarian” salads featuring chicken, salmon, and even beef, a food widely criticized for its environmental impact.

Ghodawat expressed outrage, stating, “Words don’t do justice to the anger we’ve all felt.”

A Longstanding Meat Controversy

For years, climate activists have urged COP organizers to eliminate animal products from its menu, citing the significant environmental toll of meat and dairy production.

According to Kimmy Cushman, a scientific health advisor with Plant Based Treaty, this year’s conference has regressed in providing genuine vegan options, describing the situation as “horrendous.”

Despite backlash from previous years, COP menus continue to feature meat-heavy offerings. Critics argue this undermines the conference’s goals to combat climate change, as livestock agriculture remains one of the leading contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.

Calls for Change

Plant-Based Treaty and other organizations, including ProVeg International, are calling for a global shift toward plant-based diets.

They advocate for reduced meat and dairy consumption to ensure long-term food security and climate resilience.

The debate over COP29’s food choices reflects larger discussions about sustainable diets. While some stakeholders defend animal agriculture’s role in balanced diets, others, like plant-based producers, emphasize its environmental impact.

As the conference concludes, activists hope for stronger commitments to align COP’s practices with its climate mission.

Want to understand how food choices at global events impact climate goals? Visit our homepage for insights into sustainable meat and dairy practices.