EU Parliament Vote to Ban Meat-Related Terms for Plant-Based Foods

During a significant decision this week, European Parliament members decided 355 to 247 to restrict product terms such as "burger" and "schnitzel" exclusively for meat products.

What the Decision Means

Should the measure is implemented, common plant-based items like plant-based burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel may have to be renamed across EU markets.

Nevertheless, before the ban to be enforced, it must gain approval from a majority of the EU's 27 countries, which remains uncertain.

The Debate Surrounding the Proposal

Supporters contend that customers require transparent information and while meat terms must only describe products derived from livestock.

"A steak and sausages represent goods from animal farming: not from synthetic production nor plant products," said French lawmaker the proposal's author.

Critics, including Green MEPs, called the decision pointless restriction.

"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead consumers, just certain lawmakers," said Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.

Past Efforts and Legal Background

The isn't the first effort to regulate such terminology. EU lawmakers rejected a similar ban in 2020.

The French government previously enacted a national ban on meat terms for plant-based foods in 2020, but the European court of justice ruled it illegal under European legislation in this year.

Industry and Public Response

Major German retailers including Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, cautioning that changing familiar names would confuse shoppers.

Consumer groups point to surveys showing that most consumers comprehend these names when items are clearly marked as vegetarian.

"Almost seventy percent of consumers recognize the terminology provided items are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.

What Comes Next

The proposal now requires consideration by European governments, where it must secure broad approval to be enacted.

Considering the divided opinions within both politicians and the general population, the future of this initiative is still uncertain.