European Parliament Vote to Ban Meat-Based Names for Plant-Based Products
In a significant decision this week, MEPs decided by a margin of 355-247 to reserve food names such as "burger" and "sausage" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
What the Vote Means
Should this proposal is implemented, popular plant-based products such as plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel could need to change their names across European Union countries.
Nevertheless, for the ban to be enforced, it needs to receive support from most of the EU's 27 countries, something that remains far from certain.
The Debate Behind the Measure
Supporters contend that consumers need clear information and that meat terms must exclusively refer to products derived from livestock.
"An escalope or a sausage represent goods from our livestock: not from synthetic production nor plant products," said French MEP Céline Imart.
Opponents, including environmental lawmakers, described the move unnecessary regulation.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse shoppers, just certain lawmakers," said Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Efforts and Legal Background
The marks another attempt to regulate these terminology. EU lawmakers voted down a similar prohibition in four years ago.
The French government previously enacted a domestic ban on meat terms for vegetarian products in 2020, but EU courts determined it invalid under European legislation in 2024.
Business and Public Reaction
Leading Germany's supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, warning that changing familiar terms would mislead shoppers.
Consumer groups point to research showing that the majority of shoppers understand product labels when items are properly marked as vegan.
"Almost 70% of consumers recognize the terminology provided items are clearly labelled vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Following the Vote
The proposal now requires review by EU member states, and it must obtain majority approval to be enacted.
Given the mixed opinions among various lawmakers and the general population, the outcome of this initiative is still unclear.
