EU Parliament Decide to Prohibit Meat-Related Names for Vegetarian Products
During a major vote this week, European Parliament members voted 355 to 247 to reserve food names such as "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for meat products.
The Vote Means
Should this proposal becomes law, common plant-based items like plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel may have to be renamed throughout European Union markets.
However, for the ban to take effect, it needs to receive support from most of the EU's 27 member states, which is uncertain.
The Debate Surrounding the Proposal
Proponents argue that consumers require clear information and while traditional names must only describe products from livestock.
"An escalope and sausages are goods from animal farming: not from laboratory art nor plant products," stated French lawmaker Céline Imart.
Critics, led by Green MEPs, called the move political maneuvering.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead consumers, just rightwing politicians," declared Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Legal Context
This marks another attempt to regulate such terminology. The European parliament voted down a similar prohibition in 2020.
France previously introduced a national ban on traditional names for plant-based foods in recent years, but the European court of justice ruled it illegal under European legislation in this year.
Industry and Consumer Reaction
Major German supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, warning that altering familiar terms would mislead consumers.
Advocacy organizations point to research indicating that most consumers understand product labels when items are properly identified as vegan.
"Almost 70% of consumers recognize the terminology provided products are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This proposal next requires review by EU member states, where it needs to secure majority support to be enacted.
Given the divided views among various politicians and the public, the outcome of this initiative remains uncertain.
