European Parliament Decide to Prohibit Meat-Based Names for Plant-Based Products
During a major decision this week, European Parliament members voted 355 to 247 to reserve product terms such as "burger" and "sausage" solely for meat products.
The Decision Signifies
If this proposal is implemented, common vegetarian products such as plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel may need to change their names throughout European Union countries.
However, before the restriction to take effect, it must receive approval from most of the EU's 27 member states, something that is uncertain.
Key Arguments Surrounding the Proposal
Supporters contend that consumers need transparent information and that traditional names must only describe items from livestock.
"An escalope or a sausage are goods from animal farming: not laboratory art or plant products," stated France's MEP the proposal's author.
Critics, including Green MEPs, described the move populist tactics.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse shoppers, only certain lawmakers," said Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Legal Background
The marks another effort to control such names. The European parliament rejected a comparable ban in four years ago.
The French government previously enacted a domestic restriction on meat terms for vegetarian products in 2020, but EU courts ruled it illegal under EU law in 2024.
Industry and Public Response
Leading German retailers including Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, cautioning that altering established names would confuse shoppers.
Consumer groups cite surveys showing that the majority of shoppers comprehend these names as long as items are properly marked as vegetarian.
"Nearly 70% of consumers recognize these names as long as products are explicitly marked vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Following the Vote
This proposal now faces consideration by European governments, where it needs to secure broad approval to become law.
Considering the mixed opinions within various lawmakers and the general population, the future of the proposal remains unclear.
