European Parliament Vote to Ban Meat-Based Terms for Vegetarian Foods
During a major decision this week, MEPs voted by a margin of 355-247 to reserve food names including "steak" and "sausage" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
The Vote Signifies
If the measure becomes law, popular vegetarian products like veggie burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to change their names across EU countries.
However, before the restriction to take effect, it must receive support from a majority of the 27 EU countries, which is far from certain.
Key Arguments Behind the Proposal
Supporters contend that customers need clear information and while meat terms must exclusively refer to items from animals.
"An escalope or a sausage represent products from animal farming: not from laboratory art nor vegetable sources," stated French MEP Céline Imart.
Critics, led by Green MEPs, called the move unnecessary restriction.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse shoppers, just certain lawmakers," said Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Legal Context
The marks another attempt to regulate such terminology. EU lawmakers voted down a comparable ban in 2020.
France earlier enacted a national ban on traditional names for vegetarian products in recent years, but the European court of justice ruled it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Industry and Public Reaction
Major Germany's supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, cautioning that changing familiar names would mislead consumers.
Advocacy organizations point to surveys showing that most consumers understand these names as long as items are clearly identified as vegetarian.
"Almost seventy percent of consumers understand these names as long as items are explicitly marked plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This proposal now requires review by EU member states, and it needs to obtain broad approval to become law.
Considering the divided views within various politicians and the public, the future of this initiative remains uncertain.