European Lawmakers Decide to Ban Meat-Related Names for Plant-Based Products
During a significant vote this week, European Parliament members voted by a margin of 355-247 to reserve product terms including "burger" and "sausage" exclusively for meat products.
The Decision Signifies
Should this proposal is implemented, popular plant-based items like veggie burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel may have to be renamed across EU countries.
However, before the restriction to be enforced, it needs to receive support from a majority of the 27 EU countries, which remains far from certain.
Key Debate Behind the Measure
Supporters contend that customers need clear labeling and while traditional names should exclusively describe products derived from animals.
"An escalope and sausages represent products from our livestock: not synthetic production nor plant products," stated France's lawmaker Céline Imart.
Critics, led by environmental lawmakers, described the move unnecessary restriction.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead consumers, only certain lawmakers," declared Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Judicial Background
The isn't the first effort to control these terminology. The European parliament rejected a similar prohibition in 2020.
France earlier enacted a national restriction on traditional names for vegetarian products in 2020, but the European court of justice ruled it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Industry and Public Response
Major Germany's retailers such as Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, warning that changing familiar terms would mislead consumers.
Consumer groups point to research indicating that most consumers comprehend these names as long as products are properly marked as vegan.
"Nearly 70% of consumers recognize the terminology as long as items are clearly labelled plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Comes Next
This legislative measure next requires review by EU member states, where it needs to secure broad support to become law.
Considering the mixed views within both politicians and the general population, the outcome of this initiative is still uncertain.
