European Parliament Decide to Ban Meat-Related Names for Vegetarian Products
In a major decision on Wednesday, European Parliament members voted by a margin of 355-247 to reserve food names such as "steak" and "schnitzel" solely for animal-derived foods.
The Decision Means
Should the measure becomes law, popular vegetarian items like plant-based burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to be renamed throughout European Union markets.
However, before the ban to take effect, it must receive approval from a majority of the EU's 27 countries, something that remains far from certain.
The Debate Surrounding the Measure
Proponents contend that consumers need clear information and while traditional names must only refer to items derived from livestock.
"A steak or a sausage are products from our livestock: not from synthetic production nor vegetable sources," said French MEP Céline Imart.
Opponents, led by environmental lawmakers, called the move pointless restriction.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse consumers, only certain lawmakers," declared Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Judicial Context
The isn't the first attempt to control such terminology. EU lawmakers rejected a similar ban in four years ago.
The French government earlier enacted a domestic ban on traditional names for plant-based foods in recent years, but the European court of justice ruled it illegal under EU law in 2024.
Business and Public Response
Leading Germany's retailers including Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, warning that altering established names would confuse consumers.
Consumer groups cite research showing that the majority of consumers understand these names when items are properly identified as vegan.
"Nearly seventy percent of consumers understand these names provided products are explicitly marked vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Comes Next
This proposal now requires consideration by European governments, and it must secure majority support to be enacted.
Considering the mixed views within various lawmakers and the public, the outcome of the proposal remains uncertain.
