European Parliament Decide to Ban Meat-Based Names for Vegetarian Products
In a significant vote this week, European Parliament members voted 355 to 247 to restrict product terms including "burger" and "sausage" solely for animal-derived foods.
What the Decision Means
If the measure becomes law, common plant-based products like veggie burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to be renamed across EU markets.
Nevertheless, for the ban to be enforced, it needs to gain support from a majority of the 27 EU member states, something that is far from certain.
Key Arguments Surrounding the Proposal
Supporters contend that consumers require clear labeling and that meat terms must only refer to products derived from animals.
"An escalope or a sausage are products from animal farming: not from laboratory art or vegetable sources," said France's lawmaker Céline Imart.
Critics, led by environmental lawmakers, described the decision political maneuvering.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse shoppers, just rightwing politicians," declared Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Efforts and Legal Context
The marks another effort to regulate such terminology. The European parliament voted down a similar prohibition in four years ago.
France previously introduced a domestic restriction on traditional names for vegetarian products in recent years, but the European court of justice ruled it illegal under EU law in 2024.
Business and Public Response
Major German supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, warning that changing familiar names would mislead consumers.
Advocacy organizations cite surveys indicating that the majority of consumers comprehend product labels as long as items are clearly identified as vegetarian.
"Almost 70% of shoppers understand these names provided items are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Next
This legislative measure next requires consideration by European governments, and it must obtain majority approval to be enacted.
Given the divided views among both politicians and the public, the future of this initiative is still uncertain.
