European Parliament Vote to Prohibit Meat-Based Names for Plant-Based Foods
During a significant decision on Wednesday, MEPs decided 355 to 247 to restrict product terms including "burger" and "schnitzel" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
The Vote Means
If the measure is implemented, common plant-based products such as plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could have to be renamed across European Union countries.
Nevertheless, for the ban to take effect, it needs to receive support from a majority of the 27 EU countries, which remains uncertain.
The Debate Surrounding the Proposal
Proponents argue that consumers require transparent information and that meat terms should only describe products from livestock.
"An escalope and sausages are products from animal farming: not from synthetic production nor plant products," said French lawmaker CĂ©line Imart.
Opponents, including Green MEPs, described the move political maneuvering.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead shoppers, only certain lawmakers," declared Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Judicial Context
The isn't the first attempt to control these terminology. EU lawmakers rejected a comparable prohibition in 2020.
France previously introduced a national ban on meat terms for plant-based foods in 2020, but the European court of justice ruled it invalid under European legislation in this year.
Industry and Public Response
Major Germany's retailers including Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, cautioning that changing familiar terms would mislead consumers.
Consumer groups cite surveys showing that the majority of shoppers understand these names when products are clearly identified as vegan.
"Almost 70% of consumers understand the terminology as long as items are clearly labelled vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Following the Vote
This legislative measure now requires review by EU member states, and it must obtain broad approval to be enacted.
Considering the divided views within both politicians and the general population, the outcome of the proposal is still unclear.
