EU Parliament Vote to Ban Meat-Based Names for Plant-Based Foods
In a major vote on Wednesday, MEPs decided by a margin of 355-247 to reserve product terms including "burger" and "schnitzel" exclusively for meat products.
The Vote Signifies
Should the measure is implemented, common plant-based items such as plant-based burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel may have to change their names across EU countries.
Nevertheless, for the ban to take effect, it must receive approval from most of the EU's 27 countries, which remains far from certain.
The Debate Behind the Measure
Supporters argue that consumers require clear information and that meat terms must only describe products from animals.
"An escalope and sausages represent goods from animal farming: not from laboratory art or plant products," stated France's lawmaker the proposal's author.
Opponents, led by Green MEPs, described the move populist tactics.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse shoppers, only certain lawmakers," declared Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Judicial Background
The marks another attempt to regulate these names. EU lawmakers voted down a similar ban in 2020.
The French government earlier enacted a national ban on traditional names for vegetarian products in 2020, but EU courts determined it invalid under European legislation in 2024.
Business and Public Reaction
Leading Germany's retailers such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, warning that altering familiar names would confuse consumers.
Advocacy organizations point to surveys showing that most consumers understand product labels when items are properly marked as vegetarian.
"Almost 70% of shoppers recognize the terminology as long as items are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The proposal now requires consideration by European governments, where it needs to secure majority approval to become law.
Considering the mixed opinions within various politicians and the general population, the future of the proposal is still uncertain.
