European Lawmakers Decide to Prohibit Meat-Based Names for Vegetarian Products
During a significant decision this week, MEPs voted 355 to 247 to reserve product terms such as "burger" and "sausage" solely for animal-derived foods.
The Vote Means
If this proposal becomes law, popular vegetarian items such as plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may have to change their names across EU countries.
Nevertheless, for the ban to take effect, it must receive approval from a majority of the 27 EU member states, something that remains far from certain.
Key Arguments Behind the Proposal
Proponents contend that customers need clear labeling and that traditional names must only describe items from animals.
"A steak or a sausage represent goods from animal farming: not from laboratory art nor plant products," said France's lawmaker the proposal's author.
Opponents, led by Green MEPs, called the decision unnecessary regulation.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead shoppers, just certain lawmakers," said Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Legal Context
This isn't the first effort to regulate such terminology. EU lawmakers rejected a comparable ban in four years ago.
The French government earlier enacted a national ban on traditional names for plant-based foods in 2020, but EU courts ruled it illegal under European legislation in this year.
Business and Public Response
Leading Germany's retailers such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, cautioning that altering established names would confuse shoppers.
Advocacy organizations point to surveys indicating that most shoppers comprehend product labels as long as items are properly identified as vegetarian.
"Almost seventy percent of shoppers recognize the terminology provided items are clearly labelled plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The legislative measure next faces review by European governments, where it needs to obtain majority approval to become law.
Considering the mixed opinions within various politicians and the public, the outcome of the proposal is still uncertain.
