EU Lawmakers Decide to Ban Meat-Related Terms for Plant-Based Foods
In a significant vote this week, European Parliament members decided 355 to 247 to reserve food names including "burger" and "sausage" solely for meat products.
The Vote Means
If this proposal is implemented, popular plant-based items like plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could have to change their names across EU countries.
However, for the ban to be enforced, it must receive approval from a majority of the EU's 27 member states, something that remains uncertain.
Key Debate Behind the Measure
Supporters argue that customers require clear labeling and while traditional names must exclusively refer to items derived from livestock.
"A steak and sausages are goods from animal farming: not synthetic production or plant products," said French MEP the proposal's author.
Critics, led by environmental lawmakers, called the decision pointless regulation.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead consumers, just rightwing politicians," said Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Previous Efforts and Legal Context
The isn't the first effort to control such terminology. The European parliament voted down a similar prohibition in four years ago.
The French government previously introduced a national ban on traditional names for plant-based foods in recent years, but EU courts ruled it illegal under EU law in 2024.
Industry and Public Reaction
Major Germany's retailers including Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, cautioning that changing familiar terms would mislead shoppers.
Consumer groups cite research showing that most consumers understand product labels as long as products are properly identified as vegetarian.
"Nearly 70% of consumers understand the terminology as long as products are clearly labelled plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Next
The proposal next faces consideration by European governments, where it must secure broad support to become law.
Considering the divided views within various lawmakers and the general population, the outcome of the proposal remains uncertain.
