European Parliament Decide to Prohibit Meat-Based Terms for Vegetarian Foods
In a significant vote this week, MEPs decided by a margin of 355-247 to restrict food names such as "burger" and "sausage" solely for animal-derived foods.
What the Vote Means
Should the measure becomes law, common vegetarian products such as veggie burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel may have to change their names across European Union markets.
Nevertheless, for the ban to take effect, it needs to gain support from most of the EU's 27 countries, which is far from certain.
The Arguments Behind the Measure
Proponents contend that customers need clear labeling and while traditional names should only refer to products derived from animals.
"An escalope and sausages are goods from animal farming: not from synthetic production nor plant products," stated French lawmaker Céline Imart.
Critics, including environmental lawmakers, described the decision pointless regulation.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead consumers, only certain lawmakers," declared Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Legal Context
The marks another effort to regulate these terminology. The European parliament rejected a similar ban in four years ago.
The French government previously introduced a national restriction on traditional names for vegetarian products in 2020, but the European court of justice ruled it invalid under European legislation in 2024.
Industry and Public Response
Leading Germany's supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, warning that changing familiar names would confuse consumers.
Consumer groups cite research showing that most shoppers comprehend these names as long as items are clearly marked as vegetarian.
"Nearly 70% of consumers recognize the terminology provided products are clearly marked plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Next
The legislative measure next faces review by European governments, where it needs to secure broad support to become law.
Considering the divided views among both politicians and the public, the future of this initiative remains uncertain.
