EU Parliament Decide to Prohibit Meat-Related Terms for Vegetarian Foods
In a major decision on Wednesday, European Parliament members voted by a margin of 355-247 to restrict food names including "burger" and "schnitzel" exclusively for meat products.
The Vote Means
If the measure is implemented, common plant-based items like plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may need to be renamed across European Union markets.
However, before the ban to be enforced, it must gain support from most of the EU's 27 countries, something that is uncertain.
The Arguments Behind the Proposal
Proponents contend that consumers require clear information and that meat terms must only describe items from livestock.
"An escalope or a sausage are goods from our livestock: not from laboratory art nor vegetable sources," said French MEP the proposal's author.
Opponents, including Green MEPs, called the decision unnecessary restriction.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead consumers, just rightwing politicians," declared Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Legal Background
This marks another attempt to regulate these terminology. EU lawmakers voted down a similar prohibition in 2020.
France earlier enacted a domestic ban on traditional names for plant-based foods in 2020, but the European court of justice determined it invalid under EU law in 2024.
Industry and Consumer Response
Leading German retailers including Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, warning that altering familiar terms would confuse consumers.
Advocacy organizations point to surveys showing that most shoppers understand these names when items are properly marked as vegan.
"Almost 70% of consumers recognize the terminology provided products are clearly marked plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This proposal next requires consideration by European governments, and it must secure majority approval to be enacted.
Considering the divided views within both politicians and the public, the outcome of this initiative remains unclear.