EU Parliament Vote to Prohibit Meat-Based Names for Plant-Based Foods
In a significant decision on Wednesday, MEPs decided by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms such as "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for meat products.
What the Decision Signifies
If the measure is implemented, popular vegetarian items like veggie burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may have to change their names throughout European Union markets.
However, for the restriction to be enforced, it must receive support from a majority of the 27 EU member states, which is far from certain.
The Arguments Surrounding the Proposal
Proponents contend that consumers need transparent labeling and that meat terms must exclusively refer to products derived from animals.
"An escalope or a sausage are products from animal farming: not from laboratory art nor vegetable sources," said France's MEP Céline Imart.
Critics, led by environmental lawmakers, described the decision populist maneuvering.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead consumers, just rightwing politicians," declared Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Legal Context
The marks another effort to control such terminology. EU lawmakers rejected a comparable prohibition in 2020.
France earlier introduced a national ban on traditional names for vegetarian products in recent years, but the European court of justice determined it illegal under EU law in this year.
Business and Public Reaction
Major German retailers such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, warning that altering familiar names would mislead consumers.
Consumer groups cite surveys indicating that the majority of consumers understand these names when products are properly marked as vegetarian.
"Almost seventy percent of shoppers recognize these names as long as products are clearly labelled plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This legislative measure now requires review by EU member states, and it must secure majority support to be enacted.
Considering the mixed opinions among both politicians and the public, the future of the proposal remains unclear.
