European Lawmakers Vote to Ban Meat-Related Terms for Plant-Based Foods
In a significant vote on Wednesday, MEPs decided by a margin of 355-247 to restrict food names such as "steak" and "sausage" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
What the Vote Means
If the measure is implemented, popular vegetarian products like veggie burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to be renamed across European Union markets.
Nevertheless, before the restriction to be enforced, it must receive support from most of the 27 EU member states, something that is far from certain.
Key Arguments Behind the Measure
Supporters argue that customers require transparent labeling and that traditional names must exclusively describe items derived from livestock.
"An escalope and sausages are goods from our livestock: not synthetic production or vegetable sources," stated France's lawmaker Céline Imart.
Opponents, including environmental lawmakers, called the decision populist tactics.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead consumers, just certain lawmakers," declared Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Legal Context
This marks another attempt to regulate these names. The European parliament voted down a similar prohibition in four years ago.
France earlier enacted a domestic ban on meat terms for plant-based foods in recent years, but the European court of justice ruled it illegal under EU law in 2024.
Business and Consumer Response
Leading Germany's retailers including Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, warning that altering established terms would mislead shoppers.
Consumer groups cite surveys indicating that the majority of consumers comprehend these names as long as items are clearly marked as vegan.
"Almost 70% of shoppers understand the terminology as long as products are explicitly marked plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This legislative measure now requires review by European governments, where it needs to obtain broad support to be enacted.
Considering the mixed views among various politicians and the public, the future of the proposal remains unclear.
