EU Lawmakers Vote to Prohibit Meat-Related Terms for Plant-Based Products
In a major vote this week, European Parliament members voted by a margin of 355-247 to reserve food names such as "burger" and "sausage" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
The Decision Means
Should the measure becomes law, popular vegetarian products like veggie burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could have to change their names throughout European Union countries.
However, for the ban to take effect, it must receive approval from a majority of the EU's 27 member states, something that remains uncertain.
The Debate Behind the Proposal
Supporters argue that customers require transparent labeling and that meat terms must only describe items derived from livestock.
"A steak or a sausage represent products from our livestock: not synthetic production nor plant products," said France's lawmaker Céline Imart.
Opponents, led by environmental lawmakers, called the move political maneuvering.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead shoppers, only certain lawmakers," declared Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Judicial Background
The isn't the first attempt to regulate such terminology. EU lawmakers voted down a similar ban in four years ago.
The French government previously introduced a national ban on traditional names for vegetarian products in recent years, but EU courts determined it invalid under EU law in 2024.
Industry and Consumer Response
Leading German retailers such as Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, warning that changing familiar terms would confuse shoppers.
Consumer groups point to research showing that the majority of consumers comprehend these names as long as products are clearly marked as vegetarian.
"Almost 70% of consumers recognize these names provided items are clearly labelled vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Comes Next
The legislative measure next requires consideration by EU member states, and it needs to obtain majority support to be enacted.
Given the mixed views within both lawmakers and the public, the outcome of this initiative is still uncertain.
