France, Dec. 11 -- Talks between between EU countries and the European Parliament collapsed on Wednesday without an agreement, meaning negotiations will continue in January todecide whether familiar names for plant-based foods can stay on shelves or be forced to change.

Many livestock farmers say plant-based names mislead shoppers and threaten a sector already under strain. French industry group Interbev said the use of meat terms "confuses consumers and undermines recognition" in meat products.

Environmentalists and consumer advocates have criticised the plan, with the French news agency AFP reporting that they argue shoppers choose plant-based products intentionally and do not confuse them with meat.

EU consumption of plant-based alt...