EU Lawmakers Vote to Prohibit Meat-Related Names for Vegetarian Products
In a major decision this week, MEPs decided by a margin of 355-247 to restrict food names such as "steak" and "sausage" solely for animal-derived foods.
The Vote Signifies
Should the measure becomes law, popular vegetarian items like veggie burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel may need to change their names throughout European Union markets.
Nevertheless, before the restriction to be enforced, it needs to gain approval from most of the EU's 27 member states, which is far from certain.
The Arguments Behind the Measure
Proponents argue that consumers need clear information and while traditional names must exclusively describe products from livestock.
"An escalope and sausages are products from animal farming: not synthetic production or vegetable sources," said France's lawmaker the proposal's author.
Opponents, including Green MEPs, called the decision populist maneuvering.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead shoppers, only rightwing politicians," declared Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Judicial Context
The isn't the first attempt to regulate these terminology. EU lawmakers rejected a similar ban in four years ago.
France previously introduced a national restriction on meat terms for vegetarian products in recent years, but the European court of justice ruled it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Industry and Consumer Reaction
Leading Germany's retailers including Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, warning that changing established terms would confuse shoppers.
Advocacy organizations cite surveys showing that most shoppers comprehend product labels when items are properly identified as vegan.
"Almost seventy percent of consumers understand these names provided items are clearly labelled plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This legislative measure now requires review by European governments, where it must obtain majority approval to be enacted.
Considering the mixed views within various politicians and the public, the future of the proposal is still unclear.
