European Parliament Decide to Ban Meat-Related Names for Plant-Based Products
During a significant decision on Wednesday, European Parliament members decided by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms such as "steak" and "sausage" solely for animal-derived foods.
The Vote Means
Should the measure is implemented, popular vegetarian products such as veggie burgers, soy steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may have to be renamed across European Union markets.
Nevertheless, for the ban to take effect, it needs to gain support from most of the EU's 27 member states, something that is far from certain.
Key Debate Surrounding the Proposal
Proponents argue that consumers require transparent information and that meat terms should only refer to products from livestock.
"An escalope and sausages are products from our livestock: not from synthetic production or vegetable sources," stated French MEP Céline Imart.
Opponents, including environmental lawmakers, described the decision political maneuvering.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse consumers, only certain lawmakers," said Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Judicial Context
This marks another effort to regulate such terminology. EU lawmakers voted down a comparable ban in 2020.
France previously introduced a national ban on traditional names for plant-based foods in 2020, but the European court of justice ruled it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Industry and Consumer Reaction
Major German retailers including Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, warning that altering established terms would confuse shoppers.
Consumer groups cite surveys indicating that the majority of consumers comprehend these names as long as items are properly identified as vegan.
"Almost 70% of shoppers understand the terminology as long as products are explicitly marked vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Following the Vote
The legislative measure next faces review by European governments, and it must secure majority approval to be enacted.
Considering the divided views among various politicians and the general population, the outcome of the proposal is still unclear.
