European Lawmakers Vote to Prohibit Meat-Related Terms for Plant-Based Foods
In a major decision this week, MEPs decided by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms including "steak" and "sausage" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
What the Vote Means
Should the measure becomes law, common vegetarian items like plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel may need to change their names across European Union markets.
Nevertheless, before the restriction to be enforced, it must receive approval from a majority of the 27 EU member states, which is uncertain.
Key Debate Behind the Measure
Supporters contend that consumers need clear labeling and while traditional names must only refer to products from animals.
"A steak and sausages represent goods from animal farming: not synthetic production or vegetable sources," said France's MEP the proposal's author.
Opponents, including environmental lawmakers, described the move pointless regulation.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse consumers, just rightwing politicians," said Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Legal Background
This isn't the first effort to regulate such terminology. The European parliament rejected a similar prohibition in four years ago.
France previously enacted a national ban on traditional names for vegetarian products in 2020, but EU courts determined it illegal under European legislation in this year.
Business and Public Reaction
Leading German supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, warning that altering familiar names would mislead consumers.
Advocacy organizations point to surveys showing that most shoppers understand these names as long as items are clearly identified as vegan.
"Nearly 70% of consumers recognize the terminology provided items are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Comes Next
This legislative measure next requires review by European governments, and it must obtain majority support to become law.
Considering the divided opinions within various lawmakers and the general population, the outcome of this initiative remains uncertain.
