EU Lawmakers Decide to Ban Meat-Related Names for Plant-Based Foods
During a significant vote on Wednesday, European Parliament members voted 355 to 247 to restrict product terms such as "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for animal-derived foods.
The Decision Means
Should the measure is implemented, popular plant-based items such as plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel may have to change their names throughout European Union markets.
However, for the ban to take effect, it must receive support from a majority of the EU's 27 member states, which is far from certain.
Key Arguments Surrounding the Measure
Supporters contend that consumers need transparent information and that meat terms should only refer to products from livestock.
"An escalope and sausages are goods from our livestock: not laboratory art or plant products," stated France's lawmaker the proposal's author.
Critics, led by environmental lawmakers, described the decision political tactics.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse shoppers, only rightwing politicians," declared Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Legal Background
The isn't the first effort to regulate these terminology. EU lawmakers voted down a similar prohibition in four years ago.
France earlier introduced a national ban on traditional names for plant-based foods in 2020, but the European court of justice determined it illegal under EU law in 2024.
Industry and Consumer Reaction
Major Germany's retailers including Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, warning that changing familiar terms would confuse shoppers.
Consumer groups cite research showing that most consumers understand product labels when items are properly identified as vegetarian.
"Nearly seventy percent of consumers understand these names provided items are clearly labelled vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Comes Next
This legislative measure now requires consideration by European governments, and it must secure broad approval to become law.
Considering the mixed opinions within various politicians and the general population, the future of this initiative is still uncertain.
