EU Parliament Vote to Ban Meat-Related Names for Plant-Based Products
In a major vote on Wednesday, MEPs decided by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms such as "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for animal-derived foods.
The Vote Means
If this proposal is implemented, popular plant-based items like veggie burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel may have to be renamed throughout European Union markets.
However, before the ban to take effect, it needs to gain support from a majority of the 27 EU member states, something that is far from certain.
The Arguments Surrounding the Proposal
Proponents argue that customers require transparent information and that traditional names must exclusively refer to products derived from animals.
"A steak or a sausage are goods from our livestock: not synthetic production or plant products," stated France's MEP the proposal's author.
Critics, including environmental lawmakers, described the decision populist maneuvering.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse consumers, only certain lawmakers," said Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Legal Background
This marks another effort to control these names. EU lawmakers rejected a similar ban in 2020.
The French government previously enacted a domestic restriction on traditional names for vegetarian products in recent years, but EU courts determined it invalid under European legislation in this year.
Industry and Consumer Reaction
Leading German supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, warning that changing established terms would confuse shoppers.
Consumer groups cite surveys showing that most shoppers comprehend these names when products are properly identified as vegan.
"Nearly seventy percent of consumers understand the terminology provided products are clearly marked plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The proposal now requires review by EU member states, and it needs to secure majority support to become law.
Given the divided views within various politicians and the general population, the outcome of the proposal is still unclear.