EU Parliament Decide to Ban Meat-Based Names for Vegetarian Foods
During a significant vote on Wednesday, European Parliament members decided 355 to 247 to restrict food names such as "steak" and "sausage" solely for meat products.
The Vote Means
If this proposal is implemented, common plant-based products such as veggie burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to be renamed throughout European Union countries.
However, for the restriction to take effect, it needs to gain approval from a majority of the EU's 27 member states, which remains uncertain.
Key Arguments Surrounding the Measure
Supporters contend that customers require clear labeling and while traditional names should only describe items derived from animals.
"A steak or a sausage are goods from animal farming: not from laboratory art or vegetable sources," stated French MEP Céline Imart.
Opponents, including Green MEPs, described the move political tactics.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead shoppers, just rightwing politicians," declared Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Judicial Context
This isn't the first effort to regulate these names. The European parliament rejected a similar ban in 2020.
The French government earlier enacted a national restriction on traditional names for plant-based foods in recent years, but the European court of justice determined it illegal under European legislation in this year.
Business and Public Reaction
Leading Germany's retailers such as Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, cautioning that altering familiar terms would confuse consumers.
Consumer groups point to surveys indicating that most consumers understand these names as long as items are clearly identified as vegetarian.
"Almost 70% of shoppers recognize the terminology provided products are explicitly labelled plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Next
This proposal now faces consideration by EU member states, and it needs to secure broad approval to be enacted.
Given the divided views within both lawmakers and the public, the outcome of the proposal is still unclear.
