EU Parliament Decide to Ban Meat-Related Names for Vegetarian Foods
In a significant vote on Wednesday, MEPs voted 355 to 247 to restrict food names such as "steak" and "schnitzel" exclusively for meat products.
What the Vote Means
If the measure becomes law, popular vegetarian products like veggie burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel could need to change their names across EU markets.
However, before the restriction to take effect, it must receive support from a majority of the 27 EU member states, something that is uncertain.
Key Debate Behind the Measure
Supporters contend that customers require transparent information and that meat terms must exclusively describe products from animals.
"A steak and sausages are products from our livestock: not synthetic production or plant products," stated France's MEP the proposal's author.
Opponents, including environmental lawmakers, described the decision unnecessary restriction.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse shoppers, only certain lawmakers," declared Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Judicial Context
This marks another attempt to regulate these names. EU lawmakers rejected a similar prohibition in 2020.
The French government previously enacted a domestic ban on meat terms for plant-based foods in recent years, but EU courts ruled it invalid under European legislation in 2024.
Industry and Public Response
Major Germany's retailers such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, warning that changing familiar terms would confuse consumers.
Consumer groups point to surveys indicating that most shoppers comprehend these names when products are properly marked as vegetarian.
"Nearly 70% of shoppers understand the terminology provided items are clearly labelled plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Following the Vote
This legislative measure now faces consideration by European governments, where it needs to secure majority support to become law.
Given the divided views among both lawmakers and the general population, the outcome of the proposal is still uncertain.
