EU Parliament Vote to Ban Meat-Based Names for Plant-Based Foods
In a major decision this week, European Parliament members decided by a margin of 355-247 to reserve product terms such as "steak" and "sausage" solely for meat products.
The Decision Means
If the measure is implemented, common vegetarian items such as veggie burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel may have to change their names across EU markets.
However, for the ban to be enforced, it needs to gain approval from a majority of the EU's 27 member states, something that is far from certain.
Key Debate Surrounding the Proposal
Proponents argue that customers require transparent information and while meat terms should only refer to products from animals.
"A steak and sausages are products from our livestock: not from laboratory art or plant products," stated French MEP Céline Imart.
Opponents, led by Green MEPs, described the move pointless regulation.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead shoppers, only certain lawmakers," declared Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Previous Efforts and Judicial Background
The marks another attempt to control such names. EU lawmakers rejected a comparable ban in four years ago.
The French government earlier introduced a national ban on meat terms for plant-based foods in 2020, but EU courts ruled it invalid under EU law in 2024.
Business and Public Reaction
Leading German retailers including Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, cautioning that changing familiar terms would confuse consumers.
Advocacy organizations point to research indicating that the majority of consumers comprehend product labels when products are clearly marked as vegetarian.
"Nearly 70% of consumers understand 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 legislative measure next faces consideration by EU member states, where it needs to obtain majority approval to become law.
Considering the divided views within various politicians and the general population, the outcome of this initiative remains uncertain.
