EU Parliament Decide to Prohibit Meat-Related Terms for Vegetarian Products
During a significant vote this week, European Parliament members voted by a margin of 355-247 to reserve food names such as "steak" and "schnitzel" solely for meat products.
The Decision Means
If this proposal becomes law, common plant-based products like veggie burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to be renamed across European Union markets.
Nevertheless, before the ban to take effect, it must gain support from a majority of the 27 EU member states, which remains uncertain.
Key Arguments Behind the Proposal
Supporters argue that consumers require transparent information and while traditional names must exclusively refer to items from animals.
"An escalope and sausages represent goods from animal farming: not from synthetic production or vegetable sources," said French lawmaker the proposal's author.
Critics, including environmental lawmakers, described the decision pointless regulation.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead consumers, just certain lawmakers," declared Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Judicial Background
The marks another effort to control these terminology. The European parliament voted down a comparable prohibition in 2020.
The French government previously enacted a domestic ban on traditional names for vegetarian products in recent years, but the European court of justice ruled it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Industry and Consumer Response
Major German supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, warning that changing familiar terms would mislead shoppers.
Consumer groups cite surveys indicating that most shoppers comprehend product labels as long as products are clearly marked as vegetarian.
"Almost seventy percent of consumers understand these names as long as items are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The legislative measure now requires review by EU member states, and it needs to secure majority approval to become law.
Given the mixed views within both politicians and the public, the outcome of this initiative remains uncertain.
