European Parliament Decide to Prohibit Meat-Related Names for Vegetarian Products
In a significant vote this week, MEPs decided by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms including "burger" and "schnitzel" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
The Vote Signifies
If this proposal becomes law, common vegetarian products such as plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel may have to change their names throughout European Union markets.
However, before the restriction to take effect, it must receive approval from a majority of the 27 EU member states, something that remains uncertain.
Key Arguments Behind the Proposal
Proponents argue that consumers need transparent information and that traditional names must only describe products from livestock.
"A steak or a sausage represent products from our livestock: not laboratory art or plant products," stated France's lawmaker Céline Imart.
Critics, including Green MEPs, described the decision unnecessary restriction.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead consumers, just rightwing politicians," said Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Judicial Context
The marks another effort to regulate these names. EU lawmakers rejected a comparable prohibition in four years ago.
France earlier enacted a national restriction on traditional names for vegetarian products in recent years, but the European court of justice determined it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Industry and Public Reaction
Leading German retailers such as Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, warning that changing established terms would confuse consumers.
Advocacy organizations point to research indicating that the majority of shoppers understand product labels when items are clearly marked as vegetarian.
"Almost seventy percent of consumers understand these names as long as items are clearly labelled plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Following the Vote
This proposal now faces review by European governments, where it needs to secure majority approval to become law.
Given the mixed opinions among various lawmakers and the general population, the outcome of this initiative is still uncertain.