European Lawmakers Vote to Ban Meat-Based Names for Plant-Based Products
During a significant decision this week, MEPs decided 355 to 247 to restrict food names such as "burger" and "sausage" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
What the Decision Signifies
If this proposal becomes law, common plant-based products such as veggie burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel may have to change their names throughout EU markets.
Nevertheless, before the restriction to take effect, it must receive approval from most of the EU's 27 member states, which is uncertain.
Key Debate Surrounding the Measure
Proponents argue that customers require clear information and while meat terms must only refer to products derived from livestock.
"An escalope or a sausage are products from animal farming: not laboratory art or vegetable sources," stated France's lawmaker the proposal's author.
Opponents, including Green MEPs, called the move political tactics.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead consumers, just rightwing politicians," said Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Judicial Context
The isn't the first attempt to regulate these terminology. EU lawmakers voted down a similar prohibition in 2020.
The French government earlier introduced a national ban on meat terms for plant-based foods in 2020, but EU courts ruled it illegal under EU law in this year.
Business and Public Response
Major German supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, cautioning that changing familiar names would confuse consumers.
Consumer groups point to surveys indicating that the majority of consumers comprehend product labels when items are properly identified as vegan.
"Nearly seventy percent of shoppers recognize the terminology as long as products are explicitly marked vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Next
The proposal now faces review by European governments, where it needs to obtain majority approval to become law.
Considering the divided views among both lawmakers and the public, the outcome of this initiative remains uncertain.
