EU Lawmakers Decide to Ban Meat-Related Names for Plant-Based Products
During a major decision this week, MEPs decided by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms including "steak" and "sausage" solely for meat products.
What the Vote Means
Should the measure is implemented, common plant-based products such as veggie burgers, soy steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could need to be renamed throughout European Union markets.
Nevertheless, for the ban to be enforced, it must receive support from most of the 27 EU countries, something that remains far from certain.
The Debate Surrounding the Measure
Supporters contend that consumers require clear information and that meat terms should only refer to products derived from animals.
"An escalope and sausages represent products from our livestock: not from laboratory art nor plant products," said French lawmaker Céline Imart.
Critics, led by environmental lawmakers, described the move unnecessary restriction.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead consumers, just certain lawmakers," said Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Efforts and Legal Background
This marks another effort to regulate such names. EU lawmakers rejected a similar prohibition in 2020.
France previously enacted a domestic restriction on traditional names for plant-based foods in recent years, but the European court of justice ruled it invalid under European legislation in 2024.
Industry and Consumer Reaction
Leading German retailers including Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, cautioning that altering established terms would mislead shoppers.
Consumer groups point to surveys showing that most consumers understand product labels when products are properly identified as vegan.
"Almost 70% of shoppers understand the terminology provided products are clearly labelled vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Following the Vote
The proposal now requires consideration by EU member states, where it must secure majority approval to be enacted.
Considering the mixed opinions within both lawmakers and the general population, the future of the proposal remains uncertain.
