The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, equivalent to the USDA in the Republic of South Africa has proscribed a series of descriptive terms for vegetable-derived substitutes for meat and eggs.  Descriptors including "vegetarian sausages" and "nuggets", have been banned.  In accordance with the rules, the Food Safety Agency will seize plant-based products with labels in conflict with the new regulations.  JUST egg® was a specific target and has been removed from shelves by a major supermarket chain.

Opponents of the Government decision emphasize to the need to consume vegetable products to reduce carbon dioxide emission and hence global warming.  Observers point to the fact that consumers can tell the difference between real meat and egg products and their substitutes.  This may not be a valid observation given the level of literacy in the nation that relies on images on packaging.  The Department of Agriculture recognizes the differences in nutritional adequacy between real meat and egg products and their vegetable-based alternatives.