European Parliament Decide to Ban Meat-Related Terms for Plant-Based Foods
During a significant decision on Wednesday, MEPs decided by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms including "steak" and "schnitzel" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
The Decision Means
If this proposal becomes law, popular vegetarian products like veggie burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could need to change their names across European Union countries.
Nevertheless, before the restriction to take effect, it needs to receive approval from a majority of the EU's 27 member states, which is uncertain.
Key Arguments Surrounding the Measure
Supporters argue that customers need clear information and that meat terms must exclusively refer to items derived from livestock.
"An escalope or a sausage are products from our livestock: not from synthetic production nor vegetable sources," said French MEP the proposal's author.
Opponents, including Green MEPs, called the move pointless restriction.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead shoppers, just rightwing politicians," said Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Legal Background
The isn't the first attempt to regulate such terminology. The European parliament rejected a similar prohibition in four years ago.
France earlier enacted a domestic restriction on meat terms for vegetarian products in 2020, but EU courts determined it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Business and Public Reaction
Leading German supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, warning that altering familiar names would mislead consumers.
Advocacy organizations point to research showing that most consumers comprehend product labels when items are properly marked as vegetarian.
"Almost seventy percent of shoppers recognize these names provided products are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The proposal now requires consideration by European governments, and it needs to secure majority approval to be enacted.
Given the mixed opinions within various lawmakers and the public, the outcome of this initiative is still uncertain.
