EU Lawmakers Vote to Ban Meat-Based Names for Vegetarian Foods
During a significant vote on Wednesday, MEPs decided 355 to 247 to reserve product terms such as "steak" and "schnitzel" solely for animal-derived foods.
What the Decision Means
If this proposal is implemented, common plant-based items like veggie burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel may have to be renamed across European Union markets.
Nevertheless, for the restriction to be enforced, it needs to gain support from a majority of the 27 EU member states, something that remains uncertain.
Key Arguments Behind the Proposal
Proponents contend that consumers require clear information and while meat terms must exclusively describe items derived from animals.
"An escalope or a sausage are goods from our livestock: not from laboratory art nor vegetable sources," stated French lawmaker Céline Imart.
Critics, led by Green MEPs, called the decision unnecessary regulation.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse consumers, only rightwing politicians," said Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Judicial Context
This marks another effort to control these terminology. EU lawmakers voted down a similar prohibition in 2020.
The French government previously enacted a domestic restriction on meat terms for plant-based foods in recent years, but EU courts ruled it illegal under European legislation in this year.
Industry and Public Response
Leading Germany's retailers such as Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, warning that altering established terms would mislead shoppers.
Consumer groups cite research indicating that most consumers understand product labels when items are clearly marked as vegan.
"Almost seventy percent of consumers understand the terminology as long as products are clearly marked plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Comes Next
This legislative measure now faces review by EU member states, and it needs to secure majority approval to be enacted.
Considering the mixed views among both lawmakers and the general population, the outcome of the proposal remains uncertain.
