EU Lawmakers Decide to Ban Meat-Related Names for Vegetarian Foods
During a significant decision this week, European Parliament members voted 355 to 247 to restrict product terms such as "steak" and "sausage" solely for meat products.
What the Decision Means
If the measure is implemented, popular plant-based items such as plant-based burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to be renamed across European Union countries.
However, before the restriction to be enforced, it must receive approval from a majority of the EU's 27 countries, something that remains uncertain.
Key Arguments Surrounding the Proposal
Supporters contend that consumers require clear labeling and that meat terms should exclusively describe products derived from animals.
"An escalope or a sausage are products from animal farming: not synthetic production nor vegetable sources," said France's MEP the proposal's author.
Opponents, led by environmental lawmakers, called the move populist maneuvering.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead shoppers, only rightwing politicians," declared Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Judicial Context
The marks another attempt to regulate such terminology. The European parliament voted down a comparable prohibition in 2020.
The French government previously enacted a domestic restriction on meat terms for vegetarian products in recent years, but EU courts ruled it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Business and Public Reaction
Leading Germany's retailers including Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, warning that altering familiar terms would mislead consumers.
Advocacy organizations cite research showing that the majority of consumers comprehend product labels when products are clearly identified as vegan.
"Almost 70% of consumers recognize these names provided products are explicitly marked plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This proposal now faces review by European governments, and it needs to obtain broad support to be enacted.
Given the mixed views among various politicians and the general population, the outcome of the proposal remains uncertain.
