EU Parliament Vote to Ban Meat-Based Names for Vegetarian Foods
During a major decision on Wednesday, MEPs decided by a margin of 355-247 to reserve food names including "burger" and "sausage" solely for animal-derived foods.
What the Decision Signifies
Should the measure is implemented, popular plant-based items such as veggie burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may have to be renamed across EU countries.
However, before the ban to take effect, it must gain support from most of the EU's 27 member states, something that remains far from certain.
The Arguments Surrounding the Measure
Supporters contend that consumers require transparent labeling and while meat terms should only describe products derived from animals.
"A steak and sausages represent goods from animal farming: not laboratory art or plant products," stated French MEP Céline Imart.
Critics, led by Green MEPs, called the move pointless regulation.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead shoppers, only certain lawmakers," said Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Legal Context
The marks another attempt to regulate such terminology. EU lawmakers voted down a similar ban in four years ago.
France previously enacted a domestic restriction on traditional names for plant-based foods in 2020, but the European court of justice determined it illegal under European legislation in this year.
Business and Public Response
Major German supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, warning that changing established names would mislead shoppers.
Consumer groups cite surveys showing that the majority of consumers understand these names as long as items are clearly marked as vegan.
"Almost 70% of consumers understand the terminology provided items are clearly labelled plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Comes Next
The legislative measure next requires consideration by EU member states, and it must secure majority support to become law.
Given the divided opinions within both lawmakers and the general population, the outcome of the proposal is still uncertain.
