EU Parliament Vote to Prohibit Meat-Based Names for Vegetarian Products
During a major decision this week, European Parliament members voted by a margin of 355-247 to reserve product terms including "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for animal-derived foods.
The Vote Means
Should the measure is implemented, common vegetarian products like plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel could need to change their names across EU markets.
However, for the restriction to take effect, it must gain support from most of the 27 EU countries, something that is far from certain.
Key Debate Surrounding the Measure
Proponents argue that consumers require transparent information and that traditional names must only describe products derived from animals.
"A steak and sausages represent goods from animal farming: not from synthetic production nor vegetable sources," stated French MEP Céline Imart.
Opponents, led by Green MEPs, called the decision pointless restriction.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead consumers, just rightwing politicians," declared Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Judicial Background
This isn't the first effort to regulate these terminology. The European parliament voted down a similar prohibition in 2020.
France earlier introduced a domestic restriction on traditional names for plant-based foods in recent years, but EU courts determined it invalid under European legislation in 2024.
Business and Public Reaction
Leading German retailers including Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, warning that altering established terms would confuse shoppers.
Advocacy organizations cite research indicating that the majority of shoppers understand product labels when products are properly marked as vegan.
"Almost 70% of consumers understand the terminology provided items are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The proposal now faces consideration by EU member states, where it needs to obtain broad approval to be enacted.
Given the mixed views among various politicians and the public, the outcome of this initiative remains uncertain.
