EU Parliament Decide to Prohibit Meat-Related Terms for Vegetarian Foods
During a significant decision this week, MEPs voted 355 to 247 to reserve product terms such as "burger" and "schnitzel" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
The Vote Signifies
If the measure becomes law, popular vegetarian items such as plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel could need to change their names throughout EU markets.
Nevertheless, before the restriction to be enforced, it needs to gain support from a majority of the EU's 27 countries, which is uncertain.
Key Arguments Behind the Measure
Proponents contend that consumers require transparent labeling and while traditional names should only describe products from animals.
"An escalope and sausages represent products from animal farming: not from laboratory art or plant products," said French MEP Céline Imart.
Critics, led by environmental lawmakers, described the decision unnecessary regulation.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead consumers, just certain lawmakers," said Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Judicial Background
The marks another effort to regulate these names. EU lawmakers voted down a similar prohibition in 2020.
The French government previously enacted a national restriction on traditional names for plant-based foods in 2020, but EU courts determined it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Industry and Consumer Reaction
Leading German supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, cautioning that altering familiar names would mislead consumers.
Consumer groups point to research showing that most shoppers comprehend these names when items are clearly identified as vegan.
"Almost seventy percent of shoppers recognize the terminology as long as items are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Comes Next
The legislative measure next requires review by EU member states, where it must obtain majority support to be enacted.
Considering the divided opinions among various lawmakers and the public, the future of this initiative remains uncertain.
