European Lawmakers Vote to Prohibit Meat-Related Terms for Plant-Based Foods
In a major decision on Wednesday, European Parliament members voted by a margin of 355-247 to reserve food names including "steak" and "sausage" exclusively for meat products.
The Vote Signifies
If the measure is implemented, popular vegetarian items like plant-based burgers, soy steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may have to be renamed throughout European Union countries.
Nevertheless, for the restriction to be enforced, it needs to gain approval from most of the EU's 27 countries, something that remains uncertain.
The Arguments Surrounding the Measure
Supporters argue that customers need clear information and that meat terms must only refer to products from animals.
"An escalope or a sausage represent products from animal farming: not from laboratory art or vegetable sources," stated France's lawmaker CĂ©line Imart.
Opponents, including environmental lawmakers, described the move political tactics.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse consumers, only certain lawmakers," said Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Judicial Context
The marks another attempt to regulate these names. EU lawmakers rejected a comparable ban in four years ago.
The French government earlier introduced a national restriction on meat terms for vegetarian products in 2020, but EU courts determined it illegal under EU law in 2024.
Industry and Public Response
Leading Germany's retailers such as Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, warning that altering established names would mislead consumers.
Consumer groups point to surveys showing that the majority of shoppers understand these names when items are clearly identified as vegan.
"Nearly seventy percent of shoppers understand these names as long as products are clearly marked plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Comes Next
This proposal now faces review by EU member states, where it must secure majority support to become law.
Considering the divided opinions within various politicians and the public, the outcome of the proposal is still uncertain.
