EU Lawmakers Decide to Prohibit Meat-Related Names for Vegetarian Foods
During a significant decision this week, European Parliament members voted by a margin of 355-247 to reserve food names such as "burger" and "sausage" solely for animal-derived foods.
What the Decision Means
If this proposal becomes law, popular vegetarian items like plant-based burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel may need to be renamed throughout EU countries.
However, before the restriction to take effect, it must receive support from a majority of the 27 EU countries, which remains uncertain.
Key Debate Behind the Measure
Supporters argue that customers require clear information and that meat terms must exclusively refer to items from animals.
"A steak or a sausage represent goods from animal farming: not from laboratory art or vegetable sources," stated French lawmaker Céline Imart.
Opponents, led by Green MEPs, described the move pointless restriction.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse consumers, just rightwing politicians," said Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Legal Context
The marks another attempt to regulate such names. EU lawmakers voted down a comparable ban in 2020.
The French government previously enacted a domestic restriction on meat terms for vegetarian products in recent years, but EU courts determined it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Business and Public Reaction
Major German supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, cautioning that altering established names would mislead shoppers.
Consumer groups point to surveys showing that most consumers comprehend product labels as long as items are clearly identified as vegetarian.
"Nearly seventy percent of consumers understand the terminology provided items are explicitly labelled plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This legislative measure now faces review by EU member states, and it needs to obtain majority approval to be enacted.
Given the mixed views among various politicians and the general population, the future of this initiative remains unclear.
