EU Lawmakers Vote to Ban Meat-Based Terms for Plant-Based Foods
During a significant decision this week, MEPs decided 355 to 247 to reserve product terms such as "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for meat products.
The Vote Means
If the measure is implemented, popular plant-based items like plant-based burgers, soy steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may need to be renamed throughout EU countries.
However, before the ban to take effect, it must gain support from a majority of the 27 EU member states, something that remains uncertain.
The Debate Behind the Measure
Supporters argue that consumers need clear labeling and while meat terms should exclusively refer to products from livestock.
"An escalope and sausages are goods from animal farming: not from synthetic production or plant products," stated French lawmaker the proposal's author.
Opponents, including Green MEPs, described the decision pointless restriction.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse shoppers, only certain lawmakers," declared Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Judicial Background
This isn't the first attempt to control these terminology. The European parliament voted down a similar prohibition in four years ago.
France earlier enacted a national ban on meat terms for plant-based foods in 2020, but the European court of justice ruled it invalid under European legislation in 2024.
Industry and Consumer Reaction
Leading Germany's supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, warning that changing familiar names would mislead shoppers.
Consumer groups cite surveys showing that the majority of shoppers understand these names as long as items are clearly marked as vegan.
"Almost seventy percent of shoppers recognize the terminology as long as items are explicitly marked vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This legislative measure next requires review by EU member states, where it needs to obtain majority support to become law.
Given the divided views within various lawmakers and the general population, the future of the proposal is still unclear.
