European Parliament Decide to Prohibit Meat-Related Terms for Plant-Based Products
During a significant decision this week, European Parliament members decided 355 to 247 to reserve product terms including "steak" and "schnitzel" exclusively for meat products.
The Vote Means
Should this proposal becomes law, common plant-based products like veggie burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel may have to be renamed throughout 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.
Key Arguments Surrounding the Proposal
Supporters contend that customers require clear labeling and while meat terms should exclusively describe items derived from livestock.
"An escalope and sausages represent products from our livestock: not from laboratory art or plant products," stated France's lawmaker Céline Imart.
Critics, led by environmental lawmakers, described the move populist maneuvering.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead shoppers, just rightwing politicians," declared Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Legal Context
The isn't the first attempt to control these terminology. EU lawmakers rejected a comparable ban in 2020.
France previously introduced a domestic ban on meat terms for plant-based foods in recent years, but EU courts ruled it invalid under EU law in 2024.
Business and Consumer Reaction
Leading Germany's retailers including Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, cautioning that altering familiar names would confuse consumers.
Advocacy organizations cite research indicating that most shoppers comprehend these names as long as products are properly identified as vegetarian.
"Nearly 70% of consumers recognize the terminology provided products are clearly labelled vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This legislative measure next requires consideration by EU member states, and it needs to secure majority approval to be enacted.
Considering the mixed views among various politicians and the public, the outcome of this initiative is still unclear.
