EU Parliament Vote to Ban Meat-Related Names for Plant-Based Products
In a significant decision this week, European Parliament members voted 355 to 247 to reserve food names such as "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for meat products.
What the Decision Signifies
If this proposal becomes law, popular vegetarian items such as plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to change their names across EU markets.
However, for the ban to take effect, it needs to gain support from most of the 27 EU member states, something that remains uncertain.
Key Arguments Surrounding the Measure
Supporters contend that consumers need clear information and while meat terms must exclusively refer to items derived from animals.
"A steak and sausages are products from animal farming: not from synthetic production or plant products," said France's lawmaker the proposal's author.
Opponents, led by environmental lawmakers, called the decision pointless restriction.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse shoppers, only certain lawmakers," said Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Judicial Background
The marks another attempt to control these names. EU lawmakers voted down a similar ban in four years ago.
France earlier introduced a national restriction on traditional names for vegetarian products in 2020, but the European court of justice ruled it illegal under EU law in 2024.
Industry and Consumer Reaction
Leading German supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, cautioning that changing familiar names would confuse shoppers.
Advocacy organizations point to surveys indicating that the majority of consumers understand these names as long as items are clearly identified as vegan.
"Almost 70% of shoppers understand these names provided items are explicitly labelled vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The legislative measure now faces review by European governments, and it needs to secure broad approval to become law.
Considering the mixed opinions among various politicians and the public, the future of the proposal is still unclear.
