European Lawmakers Vote to Ban Meat-Based Names for Plant-Based Products
During a significant decision this week, European Parliament members voted 355 to 247 to reserve product terms including "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for meat products.
What the Vote Signifies
If the measure is implemented, common vegetarian products like plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could need to be renamed throughout European Union countries.
Nevertheless, for the ban to be enforced, it must gain approval from a majority of the 27 EU member states, something that is uncertain.
The Debate Behind the Measure
Supporters contend that consumers need transparent information and while meat terms must exclusively describe items derived from animals.
"A steak and sausages represent products from animal farming: not from laboratory art nor vegetable sources," said France's lawmaker CĂ©line Imart.
Critics, led by Green MEPs, called the decision political tactics.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse shoppers, only rightwing politicians," said Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Legal Background
This marks another attempt to control such names. EU lawmakers rejected a similar prohibition in 2020.
France earlier introduced a domestic ban on traditional names for vegetarian products in 2020, but EU courts determined it invalid under European legislation in 2024.
Industry and Consumer Reaction
Major German supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, cautioning that altering established names would confuse consumers.
Consumer groups cite research indicating that the majority of shoppers understand product labels as long as products are properly marked as vegetarian.
"Almost 70% of shoppers recognize the terminology provided products are explicitly labelled vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Next
The proposal now requires consideration by European governments, where it must obtain broad support to be enacted.
Considering the mixed views within various lawmakers and the public, the outcome of the proposal remains unclear.
