EU Parliament Vote to Ban Meat-Related Terms for Vegetarian Foods
During a major vote on Wednesday, European Parliament members voted 355 to 247 to restrict food names including "steak" and "schnitzel" exclusively for meat products.
The Vote Means
If this proposal is implemented, common plant-based items like plant-based burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel may have to be renamed across EU countries.
Nevertheless, before the ban to take effect, it needs to gain support from most of the 27 EU countries, which remains far from certain.
Key Arguments Surrounding the Measure
Proponents contend that consumers need transparent information and while traditional names should only describe products from livestock.
"An escalope or a sausage are products from animal farming: not synthetic production or vegetable sources," stated France's MEP CĂ©line Imart.
Opponents, led by environmental lawmakers, called the decision political maneuvering.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse shoppers, only rightwing politicians," said Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Judicial Background
This isn't the first effort to control these terminology. EU lawmakers rejected a similar ban in four years ago.
The French government earlier introduced a national restriction on meat terms for vegetarian products in 2020, but EU courts determined it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Industry and Public Reaction
Leading German retailers such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, warning that changing familiar terms would confuse shoppers.
Consumer groups point to research indicating that the majority of consumers understand product labels as long as products are properly identified as vegan.
"Almost seventy percent of shoppers understand these names provided items are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The legislative measure now faces consideration by EU member states, where it needs to secure majority support to be enacted.
Given the mixed views within both politicians and the general population, the future of this initiative is still unclear.
