European Lawmakers Vote to Prohibit Meat-Related Names for Plant-Based Foods
During a significant vote this week, MEPs voted 355 to 247 to restrict product terms such as "burger" and "sausage" solely for animal-derived foods.
What the Vote Signifies
If the measure is implemented, popular plant-based items like veggie burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to be renamed across EU markets.
Nevertheless, before the restriction to take effect, it needs to receive approval from most of the 27 EU member states, something that is far from certain.
The Arguments Surrounding the Proposal
Proponents contend that consumers need transparent information and while meat terms should exclusively refer to items from animals.
"An escalope and sausages are products from our livestock: not from laboratory art nor plant products," stated France's MEP the proposal's author.
Opponents, including environmental lawmakers, described the decision political maneuvering.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse shoppers, only certain lawmakers," declared Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Judicial Context
The marks another effort to regulate such names. EU lawmakers voted down a similar ban in 2020.
The French government 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.
Industry and Consumer Reaction
Leading German retailers including Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, warning that altering established names would confuse consumers.
Consumer groups cite surveys indicating that the majority of consumers comprehend these names as long as items are properly identified as vegan.
"Nearly 70% of consumers understand the terminology as long as items are clearly labelled vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Comes Next
This legislative measure next faces consideration by EU member states, where it needs to obtain majority support to become law.
Given the divided opinions within various lawmakers and the general population, the outcome of the proposal is still unclear.
