European Lawmakers Decide to Prohibit Meat-Based Terms for Plant-Based Foods
In a significant vote this week, MEPs voted by a margin of 355-247 to reserve product terms such as "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for animal-derived foods.
What the Decision Means
If this proposal is implemented, common vegetarian items such as veggie burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel may need to be renamed across European Union countries.
However, before the restriction to take effect, it needs to receive support from a majority of the 27 EU countries, something that is uncertain.
The Arguments Behind the Proposal
Supporters contend that consumers need transparent labeling and while traditional names must only refer to products from animals.
"A steak and sausages are goods from animal farming: not synthetic production nor vegetable sources," stated French MEP Céline Imart.
Critics, led by Green MEPs, described the decision unnecessary restriction.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead shoppers, just rightwing politicians," said Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Legal Context
The isn't the first effort to regulate these terminology. EU lawmakers voted down a similar prohibition in four years ago.
The French government earlier enacted a national ban on meat terms for vegetarian products in 2020, but EU courts ruled it invalid under EU law in this year.
Business and Public Response
Leading German retailers including Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, cautioning that changing established names would mislead shoppers.
Consumer groups cite research showing that most shoppers understand product labels as long as products are properly marked as vegan.
"Nearly seventy percent of consumers understand the terminology provided items are explicitly marked plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This legislative measure next faces consideration by EU member states, and it must secure majority support to become law.
Given the mixed views among various lawmakers and the public, the future of this initiative remains uncertain.
