European Parliament Decide to Prohibit Meat-Related Names for Plant-Based Foods
During a significant vote this week, European Parliament members decided 355 to 247 to reserve product terms such as "steak" and "sausage" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
The Vote Signifies
Should the measure becomes law, common plant-based items such as plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may have to be renamed across EU countries.
However, for the restriction to take effect, it needs to receive approval from most of the 27 EU member states, something that is uncertain.
Key Arguments Behind the Measure
Supporters contend that consumers need transparent labeling and that traditional names must only describe products from animals.
"An escalope and sausages are goods from animal farming: not laboratory art or vegetable sources," stated France's lawmaker Céline Imart.
Critics, including environmental lawmakers, described the move unnecessary regulation.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse shoppers, just rightwing politicians," declared Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Legal Background
This marks another attempt to regulate these names. EU lawmakers rejected a comparable ban in 2020.
France earlier enacted a national restriction on traditional names for vegetarian products in 2020, but the European court of justice determined it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Industry and Public Reaction
Major German retailers including Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, cautioning that changing established terms would confuse consumers.
Consumer groups point to research showing that most shoppers comprehend these names when products are clearly marked as vegetarian.
"Almost seventy percent of consumers recognize the terminology as long as products are clearly labelled vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Following the Vote
This legislative measure now requires consideration by European governments, where it must secure broad approval to become law.
Considering the mixed opinions among various lawmakers and the general population, the outcome of this initiative is still uncertain.
