EU Parliament Vote to Prohibit Meat-Related Terms for Plant-Based Products
In a significant vote on Wednesday, MEPs decided by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms such as "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for meat products.
What the Decision Signifies
Should the measure is implemented, common plant-based products such as veggie burgers, soy steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could have to change their names throughout EU countries.
However, before the ban to be enforced, it needs to receive support from a majority of the 27 EU member states, which is far from certain.
Key Debate Behind the Proposal
Supporters contend that consumers need clear labeling and that meat terms must exclusively refer to items from livestock.
"An escalope or a sausage represent products from animal farming: not synthetic production nor vegetable sources," stated French lawmaker Céline Imart.
Opponents, led by Green MEPs, described the move unnecessary regulation.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse consumers, only certain lawmakers," said Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Legal Background
This marks another attempt to control these names. EU lawmakers voted down a comparable prohibition in four years ago.
France earlier enacted a national restriction on traditional names for plant-based foods in 2020, but the European court of justice determined it illegal under EU law in 2024.
Industry and Public Reaction
Leading German supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, cautioning that altering familiar terms would confuse shoppers.
Advocacy organizations cite surveys showing that most consumers comprehend these names as long as items are properly identified as vegan.
"Almost 70% of consumers understand these names provided products are explicitly marked plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC.
What Following the Vote
The legislative measure next requires review by European governments, and it needs to obtain majority support to become law.
Considering the divided views among both politicians and the public, the outcome of this initiative remains unclear.
