European Lawmakers Decide to Ban Meat-Related Names for Vegetarian Products
In a major decision this week, MEPs voted by a margin of 355-247 to restrict food names such as "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for meat products.
The Decision Means
Should this proposal becomes law, popular plant-based items like veggie burgers, soy steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may have to change their names across EU countries.
However, before the ban to take effect, it must receive support from a majority of the 27 EU member states, which remains uncertain.
Key Arguments Behind the Measure
Supporters argue that customers require clear labeling and that traditional names should exclusively refer to items derived from livestock.
"An escalope or a sausage represent products from animal farming: not laboratory art or plant products," stated French MEP Céline Imart.
Critics, led by Green MEPs, described the move political tactics.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse shoppers, just rightwing politicians," declared Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Legal Background
The marks another attempt to regulate such names. EU lawmakers voted down a comparable prohibition in 2020.
The French government previously introduced a national restriction on meat terms for vegetarian products in recent years, but the European court of justice determined it invalid under EU law in this year.
Industry and Public Reaction
Leading German retailers such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, warning that changing established names would mislead shoppers.
Advocacy organizations cite research indicating that most shoppers understand these names when items are clearly marked as vegetarian.
"Nearly seventy percent of consumers understand the terminology as long as products are clearly marked plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The proposal next requires review by EU member states, where it needs to obtain broad support to become law.
Considering the mixed views among both politicians and the public, the future of the proposal remains uncertain.
