EU Lawmakers Vote to Ban Meat-Based Names for Vegetarian Foods
In a significant decision this week, European Parliament members voted by a margin of 355-247 to reserve food names including "steak" and "sausage" solely for meat products.
The Decision Signifies
Should the measure becomes law, common vegetarian items like veggie burgers, soy steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may have to change their names throughout EU countries.
However, for the restriction to be enforced, it must receive approval from most of the EU's 27 member states, which remains far from certain.
The Arguments Surrounding the Proposal
Proponents contend that consumers require transparent labeling and that traditional names should exclusively describe items derived from livestock.
"An escalope or a sausage represent products from animal farming: not from laboratory art or vegetable sources," said France's MEP the proposal's author.
Critics, including environmental lawmakers, described the move unnecessary restriction.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead consumers, just rightwing politicians," said Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Legal Background
This marks another effort to regulate such terminology. EU lawmakers voted down a comparable ban in four years ago.
France earlier enacted a national ban on meat terms for plant-based foods in 2020, but the European court of justice ruled it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Industry and Consumer Response
Major German retailers including Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, warning that altering established terms would confuse consumers.
Advocacy organizations point to research indicating that most shoppers understand these names as long as products are clearly marked as vegetarian.
"Almost seventy percent of shoppers recognize these names provided products are clearly labelled vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The proposal next requires review by EU member states, and it needs to secure broad support to become law.
Considering the divided opinions within various politicians and the public, the outcome of the proposal remains uncertain.
