European Parliament Decide to Prohibit Meat-Related Names for Vegetarian Products
In a major decision on Wednesday, European Parliament members voted by a margin of 355-247 to reserve food names such as "burger" and "sausage" exclusively for meat products.
The Decision Means
If the measure is implemented, common vegetarian products such as plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could have to be renamed throughout EU markets.
Nevertheless, before the restriction to be enforced, it must receive support from a majority of the EU's 27 member states, something that is uncertain.
The Arguments Behind the Measure
Supporters argue that customers need transparent labeling and while traditional names must only refer to products from animals.
"An escalope and sausages represent goods from our livestock: not from synthetic production nor plant products," stated French MEP Céline Imart.
Critics, including environmental lawmakers, called the move pointless regulation.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead shoppers, only certain lawmakers," said Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Legal Context
The marks another effort to control such terminology. The European parliament rejected a comparable ban in 2020.
The French government earlier introduced a domestic ban on traditional names for plant-based foods in 2020, but EU courts determined it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Business and Consumer Reaction
Leading German supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, warning that altering familiar names would mislead consumers.
Consumer groups point to research showing that the majority of shoppers understand these names as long as items are clearly marked as vegan.
"Nearly seventy percent of consumers understand the terminology provided items are clearly marked plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Comes Next
The legislative measure now faces review by European governments, and it needs to secure majority support to become law.
Given the divided opinions among various lawmakers and the general population, the future of this initiative is still uncertain.
