European Lawmakers Decide to Prohibit Meat-Related Names for Plant-Based Foods
During a significant decision on Wednesday, MEPs decided 355 to 247 to restrict food names including "steak" and "sausage" exclusively for meat products.
The Vote Signifies
If this proposal is implemented, popular plant-based items like veggie burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel could need to be renamed across EU countries.
However, before the ban to take effect, it must gain approval from a majority of the 27 EU member states, something that remains far from certain.
Key Debate Behind the Proposal
Proponents contend that customers require clear labeling and that meat terms must only describe products derived from animals.
"A steak and sausages represent goods from animal farming: not from laboratory art nor plant products," stated France's lawmaker Céline Imart.
Opponents, including Green MEPs, described the decision unnecessary regulation.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead consumers, only rightwing politicians," declared Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Judicial Context
The isn't the first attempt to regulate such terminology. The European parliament rejected a similar ban in 2020.
The French government earlier introduced a domestic ban on traditional names for plant-based foods in recent years, but EU courts ruled it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Industry and Consumer Reaction
Leading Germany's retailers including Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, warning that altering established names would mislead consumers.
Consumer groups cite surveys showing that the majority of consumers understand these names as long as products are clearly marked as vegetarian.
"Almost seventy percent of consumers understand the terminology provided products are explicitly labelled plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This proposal now requires consideration by EU member states, and it must obtain majority support to become law.
Considering the divided views among both politicians and the general population, the outcome of this initiative is still unclear.
