EU Parliament Decide to Ban Meat-Related Terms for Plant-Based Foods
During a major decision this week, MEPs voted by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms including "burger" and "sausage" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
The Vote Means
If the measure becomes law, common vegetarian items like plant-based burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to change their names throughout European Union countries.
However, before the restriction to be enforced, it must receive support from most of the EU's 27 member states, something that is far from certain.
The Debate Behind the Measure
Supporters argue that customers need clear information and that meat terms must only describe items derived from livestock.
"An escalope and sausages are goods from animal farming: not synthetic production or vegetable sources," stated French MEP the proposal's author.
Opponents, including Green MEPs, described the move unnecessary regulation.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse shoppers, just certain lawmakers," declared Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Judicial Context
The marks another effort to regulate these terminology. The European parliament rejected a comparable ban in 2020.
The French government previously introduced a domestic restriction on traditional names for vegetarian products in recent years, but EU courts determined it invalid under European legislation in this year.
Industry and Consumer Reaction
Major Germany's retailers including Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, cautioning that altering familiar names would mislead consumers.
Advocacy organizations cite research indicating that the majority of consumers comprehend these names as long as products are clearly identified as vegetarian.
"Almost seventy percent of consumers understand these names provided products are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Comes Next
The legislative measure now faces review by EU member states, where it needs to secure majority approval to be enacted.
Considering the divided views among both lawmakers and the public, the outcome of this initiative remains uncertain.
