EU Lawmakers Vote to Ban Meat-Related Terms for Vegetarian Products
During a significant decision this week, European Parliament members decided 355 to 247 to reserve product terms such as "steak" and "sausage" exclusively for meat products.
The Vote Means
If this proposal becomes law, common plant-based products like plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may need to change their names throughout European Union markets.
However, before the ban to take effect, it must gain approval from most of the 27 EU member states, something that remains far from certain.
The Debate Surrounding the Measure
Supporters argue that customers need transparent information and that traditional names should only refer to products from animals.
"An escalope or a sausage are goods from our livestock: not synthetic production nor plant products," said French MEP Céline Imart.
Opponents, led by environmental lawmakers, described the move unnecessary restriction.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead consumers, only rightwing politicians," declared Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Judicial Context
The isn't the first effort to regulate these names. The European parliament voted down a comparable ban in four years ago.
France earlier introduced a national ban on traditional names for plant-based foods in 2020, but EU courts ruled it invalid under EU law in this year.
Business and Consumer Response
Leading Germany's retailers such as Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, cautioning that changing established names would mislead consumers.
Consumer groups cite surveys indicating that the majority of shoppers comprehend these names when items are clearly marked as vegetarian.
"Almost seventy percent of consumers recognize these names provided products are explicitly labelled plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The legislative measure next faces consideration by EU member states, where it needs to secure broad approval to be enacted.
Given the divided opinions among both politicians and the public, the outcome of the proposal remains uncertain.
