European Parliament Decide to Ban Meat-Related Names for Vegetarian Products
In a major decision this week, European Parliament members decided by a margin of 355-247 to reserve food names such as "steak" and "sausage" solely for animal-derived foods.
The Decision Means
Should the measure becomes law, popular vegetarian products like veggie burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may have to be renamed throughout European Union markets.
Nevertheless, for the ban to take effect, it needs to gain support from most of the 27 EU countries, something that is uncertain.
Key Arguments Surrounding the Measure
Proponents argue that consumers need clear labeling and that traditional names should only refer to products from livestock.
"An escalope and sausages are products from animal farming: not from laboratory art or plant products," said French MEP the proposal's author.
Opponents, led by environmental lawmakers, described the move populist tactics.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead consumers, just certain lawmakers," declared Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Legal Background
This marks another effort to control these names. The European parliament rejected a similar prohibition in 2020.
The French government previously introduced a national restriction on traditional names for vegetarian products in recent years, but EU courts determined it illegal under EU law in 2024.
Industry and Public Reaction
Leading German retailers including Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, warning that changing familiar terms would confuse consumers.
Consumer groups point to surveys showing that the majority of shoppers understand these names when items are properly marked as vegetarian.
"Nearly 70% of shoppers recognize the terminology as long as items are explicitly labelled plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Comes Next
This legislative measure now requires review by European governments, where it must obtain broad support to be enacted.
Given the mixed opinions within various lawmakers and the general population, the future of this initiative is still uncertain.