EU Parliament Vote to Ban Meat-Based Names for Plant-Based Foods
In a significant vote on Wednesday, MEPs decided 355 to 247 to restrict product terms such as "burger" and "sausage" exclusively for meat products.
The Decision Means
Should this proposal is implemented, common plant-based products such as plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may have to be renamed across EU markets.
However, before the restriction to take effect, it must gain support from most of the 27 EU countries, something that remains uncertain.
Key Debate Surrounding the Proposal
Supporters contend that consumers require clear labeling and while traditional names should only describe products derived from livestock.
"An escalope and sausages represent products from our livestock: not from synthetic production nor vegetable sources," said France's lawmaker Céline Imart.
Opponents, including Green MEPs, called the decision political tactics.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse shoppers, only rightwing politicians," declared Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Legal Context
The isn't the first attempt to regulate such names. The European parliament voted down a similar ban in 2020.
The French government previously enacted a domestic restriction on traditional names for plant-based foods in recent years, but EU courts determined it illegal under EU law in 2024.
Business and Public Reaction
Major German retailers such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, warning that changing established names would mislead consumers.
Consumer groups cite research showing that most consumers comprehend these names when items are properly identified as vegan.
"Nearly 70% of shoppers understand the terminology as long as products are explicitly labelled vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Comes Next
The legislative measure next requires consideration by EU member states, where it needs to obtain broad support to become law.
Considering the mixed views among various lawmakers and the public, the future of this initiative is still uncertain.
