European Parliament Decide to Prohibit Meat-Based Names for Vegetarian Products
In a significant vote this week, European Parliament members decided by a margin of 355-247 to reserve product terms including "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for meat products.
The Decision Signifies
If this proposal is implemented, popular plant-based products such as plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to change their names throughout EU markets.
Nevertheless, for the ban to take effect, it must gain support from a majority of the EU's 27 member states, which is far from certain.
Key Debate Surrounding the Proposal
Supporters argue that consumers require transparent information and while traditional names must only describe items from animals.
"A steak and sausages represent goods from animal farming: not laboratory art nor vegetable sources," said France's lawmaker Céline Imart.
Critics, led by Green MEPs, described the decision political maneuvering.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse consumers, only certain lawmakers," said Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Judicial Context
The marks another attempt to control these terminology. The European parliament rejected a comparable prohibition in 2020.
France earlier introduced a national restriction on traditional names for vegetarian products in recent years, but EU courts determined it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Industry and Consumer Response
Major Germany's supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, warning that altering familiar terms would confuse shoppers.
Consumer groups cite surveys showing that most shoppers comprehend product labels as long as items are clearly identified as vegan.
"Almost seventy percent of shoppers recognize these names as long as products are explicitly labelled plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The proposal next requires review by EU member states, where it needs to obtain majority support to be enacted.
Considering the mixed opinions within both lawmakers and the general population, the future of this initiative remains unclear.
