EU Parliament Vote to Prohibit Meat-Based Names for Plant-Based Products
During a significant decision this week, European Parliament members voted by a margin of 355-247 to reserve food names including "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for meat products.
What the Vote Means
If the measure becomes law, popular plant-based products like veggie burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may have to be renamed throughout EU markets.
However, before the ban to take effect, it must receive approval from most of the 27 EU countries, something that is uncertain.
The Debate Surrounding the Measure
Proponents contend that consumers require clear labeling and while meat terms should only describe products derived from livestock.
"An escalope or a sausage are products from our livestock: not from synthetic production or plant products," stated France's MEP the proposal's author.
Critics, including environmental lawmakers, described the decision unnecessary restriction.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead consumers, just rightwing politicians," declared Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Previous Efforts and Legal Context
This marks another attempt to regulate these terminology. EU lawmakers rejected a similar prohibition in four years ago.
France earlier enacted a national restriction on meat terms for plant-based foods in 2020, but EU courts ruled it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Business and Public Response
Leading Germany's supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, warning that changing established names would confuse shoppers.
Consumer groups cite surveys showing that the majority of shoppers understand product labels when products are properly identified as vegetarian.
"Almost seventy percent of shoppers recognize the terminology provided items are clearly labelled vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This legislative measure now requires review by European governments, where it needs to secure broad approval to be enacted.
Considering the divided opinions within various politicians and the general population, the future of the proposal remains uncertain.
