EU Lawmakers Decide to Prohibit Meat-Based Names for Plant-Based Products
During a major decision on Wednesday, European Parliament members voted 355 to 247 to restrict product terms such as "steak" and "schnitzel" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
The Decision Signifies
Should this proposal is implemented, common plant-based products like plant-based burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel may need to change their names throughout EU countries.
Nevertheless, for the ban to take effect, it needs to receive approval from a majority of the 27 EU member states, something that remains far from certain.
Key Debate Surrounding the Measure
Supporters argue that consumers require transparent labeling and while traditional names should only describe products from animals.
"A steak and sausages represent products from our livestock: not synthetic production nor plant products," stated French MEP Céline Imart.
Critics, led by Green MEPs, described the move unnecessary restriction.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse consumers, only rightwing politicians," declared Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Efforts and Judicial Background
This marks another attempt to regulate these terminology. The European parliament rejected a comparable prohibition in 2020.
France previously introduced a domestic ban on traditional names for vegetarian products in 2020, but EU courts ruled it invalid under European legislation in this year.
Industry and Public Response
Major German retailers such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, warning that changing familiar terms would mislead consumers.
Consumer groups point to research showing that most shoppers comprehend product labels when products are properly identified as vegan.
"Nearly seventy percent of shoppers recognize the terminology provided products are clearly labelled plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This legislative measure now requires review by European governments, where it needs to secure broad approval to become law.
Considering the divided views among various politicians and the public, the future of this initiative is still uncertain.
