European Parliament Decide to Ban Meat-Related Terms for Vegetarian Foods
In a significant decision on Wednesday, European Parliament members voted by a margin of 355-247 to reserve product terms such as "steak" and "schnitzel" solely for animal-derived foods.
The Decision Means
Should the measure is implemented, popular vegetarian products such as plant-based burgers, soy steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could have to change their names throughout European Union markets.
However, for the ban to take effect, it must gain approval from a majority of the 27 EU countries, something that remains far from certain.
The Debate Behind the Proposal
Supporters argue that consumers need clear labeling and while meat terms should only describe products derived from animals.
"An escalope or a sausage represent goods from animal farming: not from laboratory art nor vegetable sources," said France's lawmaker Céline Imart.
Critics, including environmental lawmakers, called the move pointless regulation.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead shoppers, just rightwing politicians," said Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Previous Efforts and Judicial Context
The marks another attempt to regulate such terminology. The European parliament voted down a similar ban in 2020.
France previously enacted a domestic restriction on traditional names for plant-based foods in 2020, but EU courts determined it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Industry and Consumer Reaction
Major Germany's retailers including Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, cautioning that changing familiar terms would mislead shoppers.
Consumer groups cite surveys indicating that the majority of consumers understand these names when products are clearly identified as vegetarian.
"Almost 70% of shoppers recognize these names provided products are explicitly marked vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC.
What Next
This legislative measure next faces consideration by EU member states, where it needs to obtain majority support to be enacted.
Considering the mixed opinions among various politicians and the general population, the future of this initiative remains uncertain.
