EU Lawmakers Vote to Prohibit Meat-Based Names for Plant-Based Products
During a significant vote this week, MEPs decided 355 to 247 to reserve product terms such as "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for animal-derived foods.
The Decision Means
Should the measure becomes law, popular plant-based items like veggie burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may have to be renamed across EU markets.
However, before the ban to take effect, it must gain support from most of the 27 EU countries, something that is far from certain.
The Debate Surrounding the Proposal
Supporters argue that consumers need clear information and while meat terms should only refer to products from livestock.
"An escalope or a sausage represent products from animal farming: not synthetic production or plant products," said French MEP the proposal's author.
Critics, including environmental lawmakers, called the move unnecessary restriction.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead consumers, just rightwing politicians," said Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Judicial Context
This marks another attempt to regulate these terminology. The European parliament rejected a similar ban in 2020.
France previously enacted a national restriction on traditional names for plant-based foods in 2020, but the European court of justice determined it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Business and Consumer Reaction
Leading German retailers including Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, warning that altering established terms would confuse shoppers.
Advocacy organizations cite surveys showing that most shoppers understand these names when products are clearly identified as vegan.
"Almost 70% of consumers recognize the terminology provided products are explicitly marked plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC.
What Following the Vote
The legislative measure next requires consideration by European governments, where it must secure broad approval to become law.
Considering the divided opinions within both politicians and the public, the future of this initiative is still unclear.
