EU Lawmakers Decide to Ban Meat-Based Names for Vegetarian Foods
During a major decision this week, MEPs decided by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms such as "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for meat products.
The Decision Signifies
Should the measure is implemented, popular vegetarian items such as veggie burgers, tofu 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.
Key Debate Behind the Measure
Proponents argue that consumers need transparent information and that meat terms must only refer to products derived from animals.
"A steak or a sausage represent products from our livestock: not synthetic production nor plant products," stated French MEP the proposal's author.
Critics, including environmental lawmakers, described the move political maneuvering.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse consumers, only rightwing politicians," declared Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Efforts and Judicial Context
The isn't the first effort to control such names. The European parliament rejected a similar prohibition in 2020.
France previously introduced a domestic ban on meat terms for plant-based foods in recent years, but the European court of justice determined it invalid under European legislation in this year.
Business and Public Reaction
Leading Germany's supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, cautioning that changing familiar names would mislead shoppers.
Consumer groups point to surveys indicating that most consumers understand these names as long as products are clearly marked as vegan.
"Almost 70% of consumers understand these names as long as products are clearly marked plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This proposal next faces review by European governments, and it must obtain majority support to become law.
Given the mixed views within various politicians and the general population, the future of the proposal remains unclear.
