EU Parliament Decide to Ban Meat-Based Terms for Vegetarian Products
During a significant decision this week, European Parliament members voted 355 to 247 to reserve food names such as "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for animal-derived foods.
The Vote Means
If the measure becomes law, popular vegetarian items such as veggie burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may need to change their names throughout EU markets.
Nevertheless, for the restriction to take effect, it must receive approval from a majority of the 27 EU countries, something that remains far from certain.
Key Arguments Surrounding the Measure
Proponents argue that consumers need transparent information and that meat terms should exclusively describe products derived from livestock.
"An escalope and sausages represent products from animal farming: not from laboratory art or vegetable sources," stated French MEP Céline Imart.
Opponents, including Green MEPs, called the decision political maneuvering.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse shoppers, just rightwing politicians," declared Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Judicial Background
This marks another attempt to control such terminology. EU lawmakers rejected a comparable prohibition in 2020.
France earlier introduced a national ban on meat terms for plant-based foods in 2020, but EU courts determined it invalid under European legislation in this year.
Industry and Public Response
Major German retailers including Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, cautioning that changing familiar names would mislead shoppers.
Advocacy organizations cite surveys showing that the majority of consumers comprehend these names when items are clearly marked as vegan.
"Almost seventy percent of consumers recognize these names provided products are explicitly labelled plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Next
The legislative measure next requires review by EU member states, where it needs to secure broad approval to be enacted.
Considering the divided views within various politicians and the general population, the future of the proposal remains unclear.
