EU Lawmakers Decide to Ban Meat-Related Names for Vegetarian Products
In a major decision on Wednesday, European Parliament members decided by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms such as "steak" and "sausage" exclusively for meat products.
The Decision Signifies
Should the measure is implemented, common plant-based items like plant-based burgers, soy steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could need to change their names across EU countries.
However, before the ban to take effect, it needs to gain support from a majority of the 27 EU countries, something that remains uncertain.
The Arguments Surrounding the Measure
Supporters argue that consumers require transparent labeling and while meat terms must exclusively describe items from livestock.
"A steak or a sausage are products from our livestock: not from synthetic production nor plant products," said French lawmaker the proposal's author.
Opponents, including Green MEPs, called the move political maneuvering.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse consumers, just certain lawmakers," declared Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Judicial Background
The marks another effort to regulate such names. EU lawmakers rejected a comparable ban in 2020.
France previously introduced a national ban on meat terms for vegetarian products in recent years, but the European court of justice ruled it illegal under European legislation in this year.
Industry and Public Response
Major German retailers including Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, warning that changing established terms would mislead shoppers.
Consumer groups point to surveys showing that the majority of shoppers understand product labels as long as products are properly identified as vegan.
"Nearly seventy percent of consumers understand these names provided items are clearly labelled plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This proposal next faces review by EU member states, where it must secure majority approval to become law.
Given the divided views within various politicians and the public, the future of this initiative is still uncertain.