EU Parliament Vote to Prohibit Meat-Related Terms for Plant-Based Products
In a significant vote this week, MEPs voted by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms including "steak" and "sausage" exclusively for meat products.
The Decision Signifies
If the measure is implemented, popular vegetarian products such as veggie burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel may have to change their names throughout EU markets.
However, before the ban to take effect, it must receive support from a majority of the EU's 27 countries, something that is uncertain.
Key Debate Behind the Measure
Supporters argue that consumers need clear labeling and while traditional names must only describe items derived from livestock.
"An escalope or a sausage represent goods from animal farming: not synthetic production or vegetable sources," said French lawmaker the proposal's author.
Critics, including Green MEPs, called the move unnecessary regulation.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead shoppers, just rightwing politicians," said Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Judicial Background
This isn't the first effort to regulate these terminology. The European parliament rejected a similar prohibition in 2020.
The French government previously enacted a domestic restriction on meat terms for plant-based foods in recent years, but EU courts ruled it invalid under European legislation in 2024.
Industry and Consumer Reaction
Leading German supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, warning that altering established names would confuse consumers.
Advocacy organizations cite research indicating that most shoppers comprehend these names as long as items are properly identified as vegetarian.
"Almost 70% of shoppers understand the terminology provided items are explicitly labelled vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Following the Vote
This proposal now requires consideration by EU member states, and it must obtain majority approval to become law.
Given the divided views within both lawmakers and the public, the future of this initiative remains uncertain.
