European Lawmakers Vote to Ban Meat-Related Names for Plant-Based Foods
During a significant decision on Wednesday, European Parliament members decided by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms such as "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for meat products.
What the Vote Means
Should the measure is implemented, popular vegetarian products like veggie burgers, soy steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may need to change their names across EU markets.
Nevertheless, for the restriction to take effect, it must receive approval from most of the 27 EU countries, something that remains far from certain.
The Debate Behind the Proposal
Proponents contend that customers require transparent information and while meat terms must only refer to products from animals.
"A steak or a sausage represent products from animal farming: not laboratory art nor vegetable sources," said French lawmaker Céline Imart.
Opponents, including environmental lawmakers, described the move pointless restriction.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse consumers, just certain lawmakers," said Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Previous Efforts and Legal Background
This marks another attempt to control these names. The European parliament rejected a comparable ban in 2020.
The French government previously enacted a domestic restriction on meat terms for plant-based foods in 2020, but the European court of justice ruled it illegal under EU law in 2024.
Industry and Consumer Response
Major Germany's retailers such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, warning that changing established names would confuse consumers.
Consumer groups point to surveys indicating that most consumers comprehend product labels when products are clearly marked as vegetarian.
"Nearly seventy percent of shoppers recognize the terminology provided products are explicitly marked vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Following the Vote
This proposal next faces consideration by EU member states, where it must obtain majority support to be enacted.
Considering the mixed opinions among both politicians and the general population, the outcome of this initiative remains uncertain.
