European Parliament Decide to Prohibit Meat-Related Names for Plant-Based Products
During a major decision on Wednesday, MEPs decided by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms including "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for meat products.
The Vote Signifies
If the measure becomes law, common plant-based products like plant-based burgers, soy steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may need to change their names throughout European Union countries.
Nevertheless, before the restriction to take effect, it needs to receive approval from most of the EU's 27 countries, which is far from certain.
The Debate Surrounding the Proposal
Proponents argue that customers need clear information and that meat terms must only refer to products derived from animals.
"A steak or a sausage are products from our livestock: not from synthetic production or vegetable sources," said France's lawmaker Céline Imart.
Opponents, led by Green MEPs, called the move populist tactics.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse consumers, just rightwing politicians," said Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Legal Context
This marks another attempt to regulate such names. EU lawmakers voted down a similar ban in 2020.
The French government earlier introduced a national ban on traditional names for plant-based foods in recent years, but the European court of justice determined it invalid under EU law in this year.
Industry and Public Reaction
Leading Germany's retailers such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, cautioning that changing familiar terms would confuse shoppers.
Advocacy organizations cite research showing that the majority of consumers understand these names as long as products are clearly marked as vegan.
"Almost seventy percent of consumers understand the terminology as long as items are explicitly marked plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This legislative measure next faces consideration by European governments, where it needs to secure broad support to become law.
Considering the divided views within both politicians and the general population, the future of this initiative is still uncertain.
