EU Lawmakers Vote to Prohibit Meat-Related Names for Plant-Based Foods
During a major decision this week, MEPs voted by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms including "steak" and "schnitzel" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
What the Decision Signifies
Should this proposal is implemented, popular vegetarian products such as plant-based burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel may have to change their names throughout EU countries.
Nevertheless, before the ban to be enforced, it must receive approval from most of the EU's 27 member states, something that is uncertain.
Key Arguments Surrounding the Proposal
Supporters contend that customers need clear labeling and that traditional names must exclusively refer to products derived from livestock.
"A steak and sausages are products from our livestock: not from laboratory art nor vegetable sources," stated France's MEP the proposal's author.
Opponents, led by environmental lawmakers, described the move political tactics.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead shoppers, only rightwing politicians," declared Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Legal Background
This marks another attempt to regulate these names. The European parliament rejected a comparable prohibition in four years ago.
France previously introduced a domestic ban on meat terms for vegetarian products in 2020, but the European court of justice ruled it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Business and Public Reaction
Major Germany's supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, cautioning that altering established names would confuse shoppers.
Consumer groups cite surveys indicating that the majority of shoppers understand product labels as long as items are clearly identified as vegan.
"Almost seventy percent of consumers understand the terminology provided products are clearly marked plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Comes Next
The proposal next faces consideration by EU member states, where it must obtain broad support to be enacted.
Given the divided opinions among both politicians and the public, the outcome of the proposal remains unclear.
