EU Parliament Vote to Ban Meat-Related Terms for Vegetarian Products
During a significant vote on Wednesday, European Parliament members decided 355 to 247 to reserve food names such as "steak" and "schnitzel" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
What the Vote Means
Should the measure is implemented, popular vegetarian items like plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to change their names across EU countries.
However, for the restriction to be enforced, it must receive support from most of the EU's 27 countries, which is uncertain.
Key Arguments Surrounding the Measure
Proponents contend that consumers need clear labeling and while traditional names should only refer to items from animals.
"An escalope and sausages are products from animal farming: not laboratory art nor vegetable sources," stated France's MEP CĂ©line Imart.
Opponents, led by Green MEPs, called the move political maneuvering.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse consumers, only certain lawmakers," declared Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Legal Background
This marks another effort to regulate such names. The European parliament voted down a comparable prohibition in 2020.
France previously introduced a domestic restriction on traditional names for plant-based foods in 2020, but EU courts determined it illegal under EU law in 2024.
Business and Consumer Response
Major German supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, cautioning that changing established names would confuse shoppers.
Consumer groups cite surveys showing that most consumers comprehend product labels when products are clearly identified as vegan.
"Almost 70% of shoppers recognize these names provided products are clearly marked plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Next
This proposal next faces review by EU member states, where it needs to secure majority support to become law.
Considering the mixed opinions among various lawmakers and the general population, the outcome of the proposal is still unclear.
