EU Lawmakers Vote to Ban Meat-Related Names for Plant-Based Foods

During a major vote on Wednesday, European Parliament members voted 355 to 247 to restrict product terms including "burger" and "schnitzel" exclusively for meat products.

What the Decision Means

Should this proposal is implemented, popular vegetarian products such as veggie burgers, soy steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may have to change their names across EU markets.

Nevertheless, before the restriction to take effect, it must receive approval from a majority of the EU's 27 countries, something that remains uncertain.

The Debate Surrounding the Proposal

Proponents argue that customers require transparent labeling and while meat terms should only refer to items derived from livestock.

"An escalope and sausages are products from our livestock: not laboratory art nor vegetable sources," said France's lawmaker Céline Imart.

Opponents, led by Green MEPs, described the move unnecessary restriction.

"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead shoppers, only certain lawmakers," declared Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.

Past Efforts and Judicial Background

The isn't the first effort to regulate such terminology. EU lawmakers voted down a similar ban in 2020.

France previously enacted a domestic ban on traditional names for vegetarian products in 2020, but the European court of justice determined it invalid under European legislation in this year.

Business and Consumer Response

Leading Germany's supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, cautioning that altering familiar terms would confuse consumers.

Consumer groups cite research indicating that most shoppers comprehend these names when products are clearly marked as vegan.

"Almost 70% of shoppers recognize the terminology as long as items are clearly marked plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.

What Following the Vote

The proposal next requires consideration by EU member states, and it needs to secure majority approval to be enacted.

Given the divided views among various politicians and the public, the outcome of this initiative remains uncertain.