EU Parliament Decide to Prohibit Meat-Related Names for Vegetarian Foods
In a significant vote on Wednesday, European Parliament members voted by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms such as "burger" and "sausage" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
The Decision Signifies
Should the measure is implemented, common vegetarian products like plant-based burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to change their names across European Union countries.
Nevertheless, for the restriction to be enforced, it must receive support from most of the EU's 27 countries, which is far from certain.
The Arguments Surrounding the Proposal
Supporters contend that consumers need clear labeling and that traditional names must only refer to items from animals.
"A steak or a sausage represent goods from our livestock: not from laboratory art nor plant products," stated French MEP Céline Imart.
Critics, including environmental lawmakers, called the decision unnecessary regulation.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse consumers, just rightwing politicians," said Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Efforts and Legal Context
This marks another effort to regulate such terminology. EU lawmakers voted down a similar ban in 2020.
The French government earlier enacted a national restriction on traditional names for vegetarian products in 2020, but EU courts determined it illegal under EU law in this year.
Industry and Public Reaction
Leading German retailers including Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, warning that changing familiar names would mislead shoppers.
Consumer groups point to surveys indicating that the majority of consumers comprehend product labels when items are properly marked as vegan.
"Nearly seventy percent of consumers understand the terminology provided products are explicitly marked plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Following the Vote
The legislative measure next requires consideration by European governments, where it needs to secure broad support to become law.
Considering the mixed opinions within various lawmakers and the general population, the future of the proposal remains uncertain.
