EU Lawmakers Vote to Prohibit Meat-Based Terms for Vegetarian Products
In a major vote this week, MEPs voted 355 to 247 to reserve product terms including "steak" and "schnitzel" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
The Vote Means
Should the measure becomes law, popular plant-based products like veggie burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could have to be renamed throughout European Union markets.
However, before the restriction to take effect, it must receive approval from most of the 27 EU member states, which is uncertain.
The Debate Surrounding the Proposal
Supporters contend that consumers need clear labeling and that traditional names must exclusively describe items from animals.
"A steak and sausages are goods from our livestock: not synthetic production or plant products," said France's MEP Céline Imart.
Opponents, led by environmental lawmakers, described the move political tactics.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead consumers, just certain lawmakers," declared Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Judicial Background
The isn't the first attempt to regulate such terminology. EU lawmakers rejected a similar prohibition in 2020.
The French government earlier introduced a domestic ban on meat terms for vegetarian products in recent years, but EU courts ruled it invalid under European legislation in this year.
Business and Consumer Reaction
Major German retailers such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, warning that altering established terms would mislead shoppers.
Advocacy organizations cite research showing that most consumers comprehend these names as long as items are properly identified as vegan.
"Almost 70% of shoppers recognize these names as long as products are explicitly marked plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC.
What Next
This legislative measure next faces consideration by EU member states, and it must secure broad approval to be enacted.
Considering the mixed opinions within various politicians and the public, the future of this initiative is still uncertain.