European Parliament Vote to Ban Meat-Based Terms for Vegetarian Foods
In a significant decision on Wednesday, European Parliament members voted 355 to 247 to reserve product terms including "burger" and "schnitzel" exclusively for meat products.
What the Decision Means
Should the measure is implemented, common vegetarian items such as plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel may need to change their names throughout European Union countries.
Nevertheless, before the restriction to be enforced, it must gain approval from most of the EU's 27 member states, something that remains uncertain.
The Debate Behind the Proposal
Proponents argue that consumers need clear information and while meat terms must only refer to items derived from animals.
"An escalope and sausages represent goods from our livestock: not from synthetic production or vegetable sources," said French lawmaker the proposal's author.
Opponents, led by environmental lawmakers, described the move unnecessary restriction.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse shoppers, just certain lawmakers," declared Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Judicial Background
The isn't the first effort to control these names. EU lawmakers voted down a similar ban in four years ago.
The French government previously introduced a domestic restriction on traditional names for vegetarian products in recent years, but EU courts ruled it invalid under European legislation in 2024.
Industry and Consumer Reaction
Major German supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, warning that altering established names would mislead shoppers.
Advocacy organizations point to surveys showing that the majority of consumers understand these names as long as products are properly marked as vegetarian.
"Almost seventy percent of consumers recognize these names provided products are clearly labelled plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The proposal now faces consideration by EU member states, where it needs to secure broad approval to become law.
Considering the mixed opinions within various lawmakers and the public, the future of the proposal is still uncertain.
