European Lawmakers Vote to Ban Meat-Related Names for Plant-Based Foods
During a significant decision this week, European Parliament members voted by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms including "steak" and "sausage" exclusively for meat products.
What the Vote Signifies
If the measure becomes law, common plant-based products such as plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may need to change their names throughout European Union markets.
Nevertheless, before the restriction to be enforced, it needs to receive support from a majority of the 27 EU countries, something that remains far from certain.
Key Arguments Behind the Proposal
Supporters argue that consumers require transparent labeling and while traditional names should exclusively describe products from livestock.
"An escalope and sausages are goods from animal farming: not from laboratory art nor vegetable sources," said French lawmaker the proposal's author.
Opponents, including Green MEPs, described the decision political tactics.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse consumers, only rightwing politicians," declared Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Efforts and Legal Context
This isn't the first attempt to control these names. The European parliament voted down a similar ban in four years ago.
The French government earlier introduced a national ban on traditional names for plant-based foods in 2020, but the European court of justice determined it illegal under European legislation in this year.
Industry and Public Reaction
Major German retailers such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, warning that altering familiar terms would confuse shoppers.
Consumer groups cite surveys showing that the majority of consumers comprehend these names as long as items are clearly identified as vegan.
"Almost seventy percent of consumers recognize the terminology as long as products are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The proposal now requires consideration by European governments, and it must secure majority support to be enacted.
Given the mixed opinions within both lawmakers and the general population, the outcome of this initiative remains uncertain.
