EU Lawmakers Vote to Prohibit Meat-Based Names for Plant-Based Products
During a major vote this week, European Parliament members voted by a margin of 355-247 to reserve food names including "burger" and "sausage" solely for animal-derived foods.
The Decision Signifies
If this proposal is implemented, common plant-based products such as plant-based burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to change their names across EU countries.
However, before the ban to take effect, it must gain support from a majority of the EU's 27 countries, something that is uncertain.
Key Arguments Surrounding the Measure
Supporters contend that customers require transparent information and while meat terms must exclusively refer to products derived from livestock.
"An escalope or a sausage are goods from animal farming: not from synthetic production nor plant products," said French MEP Céline Imart.
Critics, led by environmental lawmakers, called the decision political maneuvering.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead shoppers, just rightwing politicians," declared Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Judicial Background
The isn't the first effort to regulate these names. The European parliament rejected a similar ban in 2020.
France earlier introduced a national ban on meat terms for vegetarian products in 2020, but EU courts ruled it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Business and Public Response
Major German supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, warning that altering established terms would mislead shoppers.
Consumer groups point to surveys indicating that most consumers comprehend product labels when products are clearly marked as vegan.
"Almost 70% of shoppers understand the terminology provided products are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Following the Vote
This legislative measure now faces consideration by EU member states, and it must secure broad approval to be enacted.
Given the mixed opinions within various politicians and the public, the future of this initiative is still unclear.
