European Parliament Vote to Prohibit Meat-Based Names for Plant-Based Products
During a significant decision on Wednesday, European Parliament members decided by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms such as "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for animal-derived foods.
What the Decision Signifies
If this proposal is implemented, popular plant-based items such as plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel may need to be renamed across European Union markets.
However, for the ban to be enforced, it needs to gain approval from most of the 27 EU member states, which remains uncertain.
Key Arguments Behind the Measure
Supporters argue that customers require transparent labeling and that traditional names should exclusively refer to items from animals.
"An escalope and sausages are products from our livestock: not laboratory art or vegetable sources," stated France's lawmaker Céline Imart.
Critics, led by environmental lawmakers, called the move populist tactics.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead shoppers, just rightwing politicians," said Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Legal Background
The isn't the first effort to regulate these names. EU lawmakers rejected a similar ban in 2020.
France previously enacted a national ban on traditional names for vegetarian products in recent years, but EU courts determined it invalid under EU law in 2024.
Business and Public Reaction
Major German retailers such as Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, warning that changing familiar names would mislead consumers.
Consumer groups cite surveys indicating that most shoppers comprehend these names as long as items are clearly identified as vegan.
"Almost seventy percent of shoppers recognize these names provided items are explicitly labelled vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC.
What Following the Vote
The proposal now requires review by EU member states, where it must secure majority approval to become law.
Considering the divided opinions among both politicians and the public, the outcome of this initiative remains uncertain.
