European Parliament Vote to Ban Meat-Related Names for Plant-Based Products
In a significant decision on Wednesday, European Parliament members decided by a margin of 355-247 to reserve product terms including "steak" and "sausage" solely for animal-derived foods.
What the Vote Means
If the measure becomes law, common vegetarian items like veggie burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may need to change their names across European Union markets.
However, before the ban to take effect, it must gain support from a majority of the 27 EU member states, which is uncertain.
Key Debate Surrounding the Proposal
Proponents argue that customers need transparent information and that traditional names should only refer to products derived from animals.
"A steak and sausages are goods from our livestock: not from synthetic production nor plant products," said French MEP CĂ©line Imart.
Opponents, including Green MEPs, described the decision political maneuvering.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead consumers, only certain lawmakers," said Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Judicial Context
This marks another attempt to regulate such terminology. EU lawmakers rejected a comparable ban in 2020.
France previously introduced a national restriction on traditional names for vegetarian products in 2020, but EU courts ruled it illegal under European legislation in this year.
Business and Public Response
Major Germany's supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, cautioning that changing familiar names would confuse consumers.
Consumer groups cite research indicating that most consumers understand these names as long as items are clearly identified as vegetarian.
"Almost seventy percent of consumers understand the terminology as long as items are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The legislative measure now faces consideration by European governments, where it needs to obtain broad support to become law.
Given the divided opinions among both politicians and the public, the outcome of the proposal is still unclear.
