European Parliament Decide to Ban Meat-Related Terms for Plant-Based Products
In a major decision this week, MEPs decided 355 to 247 to reserve food names including "burger" and "sausage" solely for animal-derived foods.
The Vote Signifies
If this proposal becomes law, popular vegetarian products like plant-based burgers, soy steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may need to change their names throughout European Union markets.
Nevertheless, before the ban to be enforced, it must gain approval from most of the EU's 27 member states, something that is uncertain.
The Arguments Surrounding the Measure
Proponents argue that customers require transparent information and while traditional names should only refer to products derived from livestock.
"An escalope and sausages represent goods from our livestock: not from synthetic production or plant products," stated France's lawmaker Céline Imart.
Opponents, led by Green MEPs, described the move unnecessary regulation.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead consumers, only rightwing politicians," said Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Judicial Context
This marks another effort to control such names. The European parliament voted down a similar ban in 2020.
France earlier enacted a national ban on meat terms for plant-based foods in 2020, but the European court of justice determined it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Industry and Public Response
Major Germany's retailers including Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, cautioning that changing established terms would confuse shoppers.
Advocacy organizations cite research indicating that most shoppers understand product labels as long as items are clearly marked as vegetarian.
"Nearly 70% of consumers understand the terminology as long as items are clearly labelled vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The legislative measure now requires consideration by European governments, where it must secure broad support to be enacted.
Considering the mixed opinions within both lawmakers and the general population, the outcome of this initiative is still unclear.
