EU Parliament Vote to Ban Meat-Based Names for Plant-Based Products
During a major vote on Wednesday, European Parliament members voted by a margin of 355-247 to reserve product terms including "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for meat products.
The Vote Signifies
If the measure becomes law, popular vegetarian products like veggie burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel could need to be renamed throughout European Union markets.
Nevertheless, before the ban to be enforced, it needs to gain support from a majority of the EU's 27 member states, which remains far from certain.
The Arguments Surrounding the Measure
Proponents argue that consumers require clear information and that meat terms must only describe products derived from livestock.
"A steak or a sausage are products from our livestock: not from synthetic production nor plant products," said French lawmaker the proposal's author.
Critics, led by environmental lawmakers, described the move unnecessary restriction.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead shoppers, just certain lawmakers," declared Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Legal Context
This marks another attempt to regulate such terminology. EU lawmakers rejected a comparable ban in 2020.
France earlier introduced a national restriction on traditional names for plant-based foods in recent years, but the European court of justice ruled it invalid under EU law in 2024.
Business and Public Response
Leading Germany's retailers such as Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, warning that altering familiar names would confuse consumers.
Consumer groups cite surveys indicating that most shoppers comprehend these names when products are properly identified as vegetarian.
"Nearly seventy percent of shoppers understand the terminology provided products are explicitly labelled plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The legislative measure now faces consideration by EU member states, where it must secure broad approval to be enacted.
Given the mixed views among both politicians and the general population, the outcome of the proposal is still unclear.
