EU Lawmakers Vote to Ban Meat-Based Terms for Vegetarian Foods
During a major decision this week, European Parliament members decided by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms such as "steak" and "schnitzel" solely for meat products.
The Vote Signifies
If this proposal becomes law, popular plant-based products such as plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to be renamed throughout European Union countries.
However, before the ban to be enforced, it must receive approval from a majority of the 27 EU countries, something that remains uncertain.
Key Arguments Behind the Measure
Supporters argue that customers need clear information and that meat terms should exclusively refer to items derived from animals.
"An escalope and sausages represent products from animal farming: not from synthetic production nor vegetable sources," said French MEP Céline Imart.
Opponents, led by environmental lawmakers, called the move pointless regulation.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead shoppers, just rightwing politicians," declared Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Previous Efforts and Legal Background
This marks another effort to regulate these terminology. EU lawmakers rejected a similar ban in 2020.
The French government earlier introduced a national restriction on traditional names for plant-based foods in 2020, but the European court of justice determined it invalid under EU law in this year.
Industry and Public Reaction
Major Germany's retailers including Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, warning that altering established names would confuse shoppers.
Advocacy organizations point to surveys showing that the majority of shoppers comprehend product labels when items are clearly identified as vegan.
"Almost seventy percent of shoppers understand these names as long as products are clearly labelled vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The proposal now requires review by EU member states, and it needs to obtain majority support to be enacted.
Given the mixed opinions among various politicians and the general population, the outcome of the proposal remains unclear.
