EU Lawmakers Vote to Ban Meat-Based Names for Vegetarian Foods
During a significant vote on Wednesday, European Parliament members voted by a margin of 355-247 to reserve product terms such as "steak" and "sausage" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
What the Decision Signifies
Should the measure is implemented, common vegetarian items such as plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may have to be renamed across European Union markets.
However, for the ban to be enforced, it needs to gain approval from a majority of the 27 EU member states, which is far from certain.
The Debate Behind the Measure
Proponents argue that consumers need transparent information and while meat terms must only refer to items derived from livestock.
"A steak or a sausage represent goods from animal farming: not laboratory art nor plant products," stated French lawmaker Céline Imart.
Critics, led by environmental lawmakers, described the decision unnecessary restriction.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse shoppers, just rightwing politicians," said Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Efforts and Judicial Context
This marks another attempt to control such names. EU lawmakers voted down a comparable ban in 2020.
The French government earlier introduced a national restriction on traditional names for plant-based foods in 2020, but EU courts determined it invalid under EU law in 2024.
Industry and Consumer Reaction
Major Germany's retailers including Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, warning that changing established terms would confuse consumers.
Advocacy organizations point to research showing that the majority of consumers understand product labels as long as items are clearly identified as vegan.
"Almost 70% of consumers understand these names provided items are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Following the Vote
This proposal now requires consideration by European governments, where it must secure majority approval to become law.
Given the divided opinions among various politicians and the general population, the future of this initiative remains unclear.
