European Lawmakers Vote to Ban Meat-Related Names for Vegetarian Foods
In a significant decision on Wednesday, European Parliament members decided 355 to 247 to restrict product terms such as "burger" and "sausage" exclusively for meat products.
The Vote Signifies
If this proposal is implemented, common vegetarian items such as veggie burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel could need to change their names across EU markets.
However, before the restriction to take effect, it needs to gain approval from a majority of the EU's 27 countries, something that is uncertain.
The Arguments Behind the Measure
Proponents contend that customers require clear labeling and while traditional names should exclusively refer to items derived from livestock.
"A steak or a sausage represent goods from animal farming: not laboratory art nor vegetable sources," stated France's lawmaker Céline Imart.
Critics, including Green MEPs, described the decision unnecessary restriction.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse consumers, just certain lawmakers," said Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Judicial Context
This marks another attempt to control such terminology. The European parliament rejected a similar ban in 2020.
France earlier enacted a national ban on traditional names for plant-based foods in recent years, but EU courts ruled it invalid under EU law in this year.
Business and Consumer Reaction
Major Germany's supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, warning that altering established terms would mislead shoppers.
Consumer groups cite research showing that most consumers comprehend product labels as long as products are clearly identified as vegan.
"Almost 70% of shoppers recognize these names provided items are explicitly labelled plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Following the Vote
The proposal next faces consideration by European governments, where it needs to obtain broad approval to become law.
Considering the divided opinions within both politicians and the general population, the outcome of this initiative is still uncertain.
