EU Lawmakers Vote to Ban Meat-Based Terms for Plant-Based Foods
In a major vote on Wednesday, MEPs voted 355 to 247 to restrict food names including "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for meat products.
What the Vote Signifies
Should the measure becomes law, popular vegetarian products such as veggie burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel may have to be renamed across EU countries.
Nevertheless, for the ban to be enforced, it needs to receive approval from a majority of the EU's 27 member states, something that remains uncertain.
Key Debate Surrounding the Proposal
Proponents argue that customers require transparent labeling and while meat terms must only refer to products from animals.
"A steak and sausages are goods from animal farming: not from synthetic production or plant products," stated French lawmaker the proposal's author.
Critics, including environmental lawmakers, called the decision political maneuvering.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead consumers, just rightwing politicians," said Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Efforts and Judicial Context
The marks another attempt to control such terminology. The European parliament voted down a similar prohibition in four years ago.
France earlier introduced a domestic restriction on meat terms for plant-based foods in 2020, but the European court of justice ruled it illegal under European legislation in this year.
Industry and Consumer Response
Major German retailers including Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, warning that altering familiar names would mislead shoppers.
Advocacy organizations cite research indicating that most consumers comprehend these names when items are clearly identified as vegetarian.
"Nearly seventy percent of shoppers recognize the terminology provided products are explicitly marked plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This proposal next requires consideration by EU member states, where it must secure broad support to be enacted.
Considering the mixed views within both lawmakers and the public, the outcome of the proposal is still uncertain.