European Lawmakers Vote to Ban Meat-Related Names for Vegetarian Products
In a significant decision on Wednesday, MEPs voted by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms such as "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for animal-derived foods.
What the Vote Signifies
If this proposal becomes law, popular plant-based products such as veggie burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to change their names throughout EU countries.
However, before the restriction to be enforced, it needs to gain support from most of the 27 EU countries, something that is uncertain.
Key Debate Surrounding the Measure
Proponents contend that customers require clear information and that traditional names must only refer to items from animals.
"A steak and sausages are goods from animal farming: not from laboratory art nor plant products," stated France's lawmaker Céline Imart.
Opponents, led by Green MEPs, called the move pointless restriction.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse shoppers, only certain lawmakers," said Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Previous Efforts and Legal Context
The marks another effort to regulate these names. The European parliament voted down a similar ban in 2020.
France earlier introduced a national restriction on traditional names for vegetarian products in recent years, but the European court of justice determined it invalid under EU law in 2024.
Industry and Consumer Reaction
Leading Germany's retailers including Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, cautioning that changing established names would mislead shoppers.
Consumer groups point to research showing that most consumers understand these names when products are properly marked as vegetarian.
"Nearly seventy percent of shoppers recognize these names as long as products are clearly labelled vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Comes Next
The legislative measure next requires consideration by European governments, where it must secure broad approval to be enacted.
Considering the divided opinions within various politicians and the general population, the future of this initiative is still uncertain.
