EU Parliament Decide to Prohibit Meat-Based Names for Plant-Based Products
In a significant decision on Wednesday, MEPs decided 355 to 247 to reserve product terms including "burger" and "sausage" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
The Decision Means
Should the measure becomes law, popular vegetarian products like veggie burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to change their names throughout EU countries.
Nevertheless, for the ban to be enforced, it needs to gain approval from most of the 27 EU countries, something that is far from certain.
Key Arguments Behind the Proposal
Supporters contend that consumers require transparent labeling and while meat terms should exclusively refer to products derived from livestock.
"A steak and sausages are products from animal farming: not from laboratory art or plant products," stated France's lawmaker Céline Imart.
Critics, led by environmental lawmakers, described the move unnecessary restriction.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse consumers, just rightwing politicians," said Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Judicial Background
This isn't the first effort to control such terminology. The European parliament voted down a similar ban in four years ago.
The French government previously enacted a domestic ban on traditional names for vegetarian products in recent years, but EU courts determined it invalid under European legislation in 2024.
Business and Public Reaction
Leading German retailers including Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, cautioning that altering established terms would mislead shoppers.
Consumer groups cite surveys showing that most shoppers understand product labels when products are clearly identified as vegan.
"Nearly 70% of consumers recognize the terminology as long as products are clearly marked plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The proposal next requires review by European governments, where it needs to obtain majority approval to be enacted.
Considering the mixed opinions within various politicians and the general population, the future of the proposal remains unclear.
