European Parliament Decide to Ban Meat-Based Names for Plant-Based Foods
In a major decision on Wednesday, MEPs decided by a margin of 355-247 to reserve product terms such as "burger" and "sausage" solely for meat products.
The Vote Signifies
If the measure is implemented, popular plant-based products like plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel may need to be renamed across EU markets.
However, before the ban to take effect, it needs to gain support from most of the 27 EU countries, which remains uncertain.
The Arguments Behind the Measure
Proponents contend that customers require clear information and that traditional names should exclusively refer to items derived from livestock.
"An escalope and sausages are products from animal farming: not from synthetic production nor vegetable sources," stated French lawmaker Céline Imart.
Opponents, including environmental lawmakers, called the move populist tactics.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse consumers, just rightwing politicians," said Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Judicial Background
This marks another effort to control such terminology. EU lawmakers voted down a similar prohibition in 2020.
France previously introduced a national restriction on traditional names for plant-based foods in 2020, but the European court of justice ruled it invalid under European legislation in 2024.
Business and Consumer Response
Leading German supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, cautioning that altering familiar names would confuse shoppers.
Consumer groups cite research indicating that the majority of consumers comprehend these names as long as products are clearly identified as vegetarian.
"Almost seventy percent of consumers understand these names as long as products are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Comes Next
The proposal next faces review by European governments, where it must secure broad support to be enacted.
Given the divided views among both lawmakers and the public, the future of this initiative remains unclear.
