European Parliament Vote to Ban Meat-Based Terms for Plant-Based Products
During a major vote on Wednesday, European Parliament members voted by a margin of 355-247 to reserve food names including "burger" and "schnitzel" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
What the Vote Means
If the measure is implemented, popular vegetarian products like plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could need to change their names across European Union countries.
Nevertheless, before the ban to take effect, it must gain support from a majority of the EU's 27 member states, which is far from certain.
The Debate Surrounding the Measure
Supporters argue that customers require clear labeling and while meat terms should only describe items from animals.
"An escalope and sausages represent products from our livestock: not from laboratory art or plant products," stated France's MEP the proposal's author.
Critics, including environmental lawmakers, called the decision unnecessary restriction.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse shoppers, only rightwing politicians," said Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Legal Background
The isn't the first attempt to control these names. The European parliament voted down a similar ban in 2020.
The French government previously introduced a national ban on meat terms for plant-based foods in recent years, but EU courts determined it invalid under European legislation in this year.
Industry and Public Reaction
Leading Germany's retailers including Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, warning that altering familiar names would confuse shoppers.
Advocacy organizations point to research showing that most shoppers understand product labels when items are properly identified as vegan.
"Almost 70% of shoppers recognize these names provided items are explicitly marked vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Following the Vote
The proposal now requires review by EU member states, where it must secure majority approval to be enacted.
Given the mixed views within both lawmakers and the general population, the future of this initiative is still unclear.
