European Lawmakers Decide to Prohibit Meat-Related Terms for Vegetarian Products
In a significant decision this week, European Parliament members decided by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms such as "burger" and "sausage" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
The Vote Signifies
If the measure is implemented, popular plant-based products such as veggie burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could have to change their names throughout EU markets.
However, for the restriction to take effect, it needs to gain support from a majority of the 27 EU member states, something that is far from certain.
Key Debate Behind the Proposal
Supporters contend that customers require clear labeling and that traditional names must only describe items derived from animals.
"An escalope or a sausage are products from animal farming: not laboratory art nor vegetable sources," said France's lawmaker Céline Imart.
Critics, including Green MEPs, called the decision pointless restriction.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse consumers, only rightwing politicians," declared Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Legal Context
This isn't the first attempt to regulate these names. The European parliament voted down a similar ban in four years ago.
The French government previously introduced a national restriction on meat terms for vegetarian products in 2020, but the European court of justice determined it illegal under European legislation in this year.
Industry and Public Response
Major German retailers including Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, cautioning that altering established names would confuse shoppers.
Consumer groups cite surveys showing that the majority of shoppers comprehend these names when products are clearly identified as vegetarian.
"Almost 70% of consumers understand the terminology provided products are clearly labelled plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Following the Vote
This proposal now faces review by EU member states, where it needs to obtain broad support to become law.
Given the mixed opinions among both lawmakers and the general population, the future of the proposal is still unclear.
