EU Lawmakers Vote to Ban Meat-Related Terms for Plant-Based Products
In a major decision on Wednesday, European Parliament members decided 355 to 247 to reserve food names such as "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for meat products.
The Decision Means
If the measure is implemented, popular plant-based items such as veggie burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to be renamed across European Union markets.
However, for the ban to take effect, it needs to gain support from most of the 27 EU member states, which remains uncertain.
Key Arguments Surrounding the Measure
Supporters argue that consumers need clear labeling and while traditional names should only describe products derived from livestock.
"A steak or a sausage represent products from animal farming: not from synthetic production or vegetable sources," stated France's MEP the proposal's author.
Opponents, including Green MEPs, described the move populist tactics.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse shoppers, only rightwing politicians," said Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Judicial Context
The isn't the first effort to control these names. The European parliament voted down a similar prohibition in four years ago.
The French government previously enacted a national restriction on meat terms for plant-based foods in 2020, but the European court of justice determined it illegal under EU law in 2024.
Industry and Consumer Reaction
Leading Germany's retailers including Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, cautioning that altering familiar names would mislead consumers.
Advocacy organizations point to research indicating that most shoppers comprehend product labels as long as items are properly marked as vegetarian.
"Almost 70% of consumers understand these names provided items are explicitly marked vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The proposal next faces consideration by European governments, and it must secure broad approval to become law.
Considering the mixed views among various politicians and the general population, the future of this initiative is still uncertain.
