European Parliament Vote to Ban Meat-Based Names for Vegetarian Foods
In a significant vote on Wednesday, European Parliament members voted by a margin of 355-247 to reserve food names such as "steak" and "schnitzel" exclusively for meat products.
What the Decision Means
If this proposal is implemented, popular plant-based products such as plant-based burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel could need to change their names throughout EU countries.
Nevertheless, for the restriction to be enforced, it must receive approval from most of the EU's 27 member states, which is far from certain.
The Arguments Surrounding the Measure
Supporters argue that consumers require clear labeling and while meat terms should only describe items derived from livestock.
"An escalope and sausages represent goods from animal farming: not laboratory art or plant products," stated France's lawmaker the proposal's author.
Critics, including environmental lawmakers, called the decision populist tactics.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead consumers, only rightwing politicians," said Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Legal Background
The isn't the first attempt to control such terminology. EU lawmakers voted down a similar prohibition in four years ago.
France earlier introduced a domestic restriction on meat terms for plant-based foods in recent years, but the European court of justice ruled it illegal under EU law in 2024.
Business and Public Response
Leading German retailers such as Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, warning that altering established terms would mislead shoppers.
Consumer groups cite research showing that most shoppers comprehend product labels as long as items are properly marked as vegetarian.
"Almost 70% of consumers recognize the terminology provided items are explicitly labelled vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Comes Next
This proposal now faces consideration by EU member states, where it must obtain broad support to be enacted.
Considering the divided opinions within various lawmakers and the general population, the future of the proposal remains uncertain.
