European Parliament Vote to Prohibit Meat-Related Terms for Plant-Based Foods
During a major decision on Wednesday, European Parliament members decided by a margin of 355-247 to restrict food names such as "burger" and "sausage" solely for meat products.
The Vote Means
If this proposal becomes law, common plant-based items like veggie burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel could need to change their names throughout European Union markets.
Nevertheless, for the ban to take effect, it must gain support from most of the EU's 27 member states, which remains uncertain.
Key Arguments Behind the Measure
Proponents argue that consumers require transparent labeling and that meat terms must exclusively refer to products from animals.
"An escalope and sausages are goods from animal farming: not laboratory art nor plant products," said France's lawmaker Céline Imart.
Critics, including Green MEPs, called the move political tactics.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead shoppers, only certain lawmakers," declared Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Legal Background
The isn't the first effort to regulate such terminology. The European parliament voted down a similar prohibition in four years ago.
France previously introduced a national ban on meat terms for vegetarian products in recent years, but the European court of justice determined it illegal under EU law in 2024.
Industry and Consumer Reaction
Leading German supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, warning that altering established names would mislead shoppers.
Advocacy organizations cite research showing that the majority of consumers understand product labels as long as items are clearly marked as vegetarian.
"Almost 70% of shoppers understand the terminology provided products are clearly marked plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This proposal next requires consideration by EU member states, and it must obtain majority support to become law.
Given the mixed views among both politicians and the public, the outcome of this initiative remains unclear.
