European Lawmakers Decide to Ban Meat-Related Names for Plant-Based Products
During a major vote on Wednesday, European Parliament members decided 355 to 247 to reserve product terms including "steak" and "sausage" solely for meat products.
The Vote Signifies
Should this proposal is implemented, popular vegetarian items such as veggie burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could need to change their names throughout European Union countries.
Nevertheless, before the restriction to take effect, it must gain support from most of the EU's 27 countries, something that remains far from certain.
Key Arguments Surrounding the Measure
Proponents contend that customers require transparent information and that meat terms should only refer to items derived from animals.
"A steak and sausages represent goods from our livestock: not from synthetic production or vegetable sources," said France's lawmaker the proposal's author.
Opponents, led by environmental lawmakers, called the decision pointless regulation.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse shoppers, only certain lawmakers," declared Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Judicial Background
This marks another attempt to regulate such terminology. The European parliament voted down a similar prohibition in 2020.
The French government earlier enacted a national restriction on traditional names for plant-based foods in 2020, but the European court of justice determined it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Industry and Public Reaction
Leading German retailers such as Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, cautioning that changing familiar terms would mislead shoppers.
Consumer groups cite research indicating that most consumers comprehend these names when products are properly identified as vegetarian.
"Almost 70% of consumers understand the terminology provided products are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This proposal now requires consideration by EU member states, and it needs to obtain broad approval to be enacted.
Given the divided views among various lawmakers and the general population, the outcome of this initiative is still unclear.
