EU Lawmakers Vote to Prohibit Meat-Related Names for Vegetarian Foods
During a significant decision on Wednesday, MEPs voted by a margin of 355-247 to restrict food names such as "burger" and "schnitzel" exclusively for meat products.
The Decision Signifies
If the measure becomes law, common plant-based products like veggie burgers, soy steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could have to change their names throughout EU countries.
Nevertheless, before the ban to take effect, it must receive support from most of the EU's 27 member states, which remains uncertain.
Key Arguments Surrounding the Proposal
Supporters argue that consumers need transparent information and while meat terms must only refer to items from livestock.
"An escalope or a sausage are goods from animal farming: not laboratory art or vegetable sources," said France's lawmaker Céline Imart.
Critics, led by environmental lawmakers, described the move populist maneuvering.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse consumers, only certain lawmakers," declared Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Judicial Context
The marks another attempt to regulate such names. The European parliament voted down a similar ban in 2020.
France previously enacted a domestic restriction on meat terms for vegetarian products in recent years, but the European court of justice ruled it illegal under EU law in this year.
Business and Public Reaction
Major German supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, warning that changing familiar names would confuse consumers.
Consumer groups cite research showing that the majority of shoppers understand these names when items are clearly marked as vegetarian.
"Nearly 70% of consumers recognize the terminology as long as items are clearly labelled plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Comes Next
This legislative measure now faces review by European governments, where it needs to obtain broad support to be enacted.
Considering the mixed opinions among both politicians and the public, the future of this initiative remains uncertain.
