EU Lawmakers Vote to Prohibit Meat-Based Names for Vegetarian Products
In a significant vote this week, European Parliament members decided by a margin of 355-247 to reserve food names such as "steak" and "schnitzel" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
The Decision Means
Should the measure is implemented, common vegetarian products like plant-based burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel may have to change their names across EU countries.
However, for the ban to take effect, it must gain approval from a majority of the 27 EU member states, something that remains uncertain.
Key Debate Behind the Measure
Supporters contend that customers require transparent information and that meat terms must only refer to products from animals.
"A steak and sausages are products from our livestock: not laboratory art or plant products," stated French MEP Céline Imart.
Critics, including environmental lawmakers, called the decision populist tactics.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse shoppers, only rightwing politicians," said Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Judicial Background
This isn't the first effort to regulate such terminology. The European parliament voted down a comparable prohibition in 2020.
The French government previously enacted a domestic ban on traditional names for vegetarian products in recent years, but EU courts determined it illegal under EU law in this year.
Business and Public Response
Leading Germany's supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, warning that changing established names would mislead consumers.
Consumer groups cite surveys indicating that the majority of consumers comprehend these names as long as products are clearly identified as vegan.
"Nearly seventy percent of consumers understand these names provided items are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Comes Next
The legislative measure next requires consideration by European governments, where it needs to obtain broad approval to be enacted.
Considering the divided views within various lawmakers and the public, the future of this initiative remains uncertain.
