European Lawmakers Vote to Prohibit Meat-Based Names for Vegetarian Products
During a major vote on Wednesday, MEPs decided by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms including "steak" and "sausage" solely for meat products.
What the Vote Means
If the measure becomes law, common plant-based items such as plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel may have to be renamed throughout European Union countries.
Nevertheless, before the ban to be enforced, it must receive support from most of the EU's 27 countries, something that is far from certain.
Key Debate Behind the Proposal
Supporters contend that consumers require transparent labeling and while meat terms should exclusively describe products derived from animals.
"An escalope or a sausage are goods from our livestock: not laboratory art nor vegetable sources," stated French lawmaker Céline Imart.
Critics, led by Green MEPs, described the decision unnecessary restriction.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse shoppers, just certain lawmakers," said Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Judicial Context
The isn't the first effort to control such names. The European parliament voted down a comparable prohibition in 2020.
The French government previously introduced a domestic ban on meat terms for vegetarian products in recent years, but EU courts determined it invalid under European legislation in this year.
Industry and Consumer Reaction
Major German supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, warning that changing established names would confuse consumers.
Advocacy organizations cite surveys indicating that the majority of consumers understand these names as long as items are clearly identified as vegan.
"Almost seventy percent of consumers recognize the terminology provided items are explicitly marked vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This legislative measure now requires consideration by European governments, where it must secure majority approval to become law.
Considering the mixed views among various politicians and the general population, the future of the proposal is still unclear.
