EU Lawmakers Decide to Ban Meat-Based Terms for Plant-Based Foods
During a significant decision this week, European Parliament members decided 355 to 247 to restrict product terms including "steak" and "schnitzel" solely for meat products.
The Decision Means
Should this proposal is implemented, common plant-based products such as veggie burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could need to change their names throughout EU markets.
Nevertheless, before the restriction to be enforced, it must receive support from a majority of the EU's 27 countries, which remains uncertain.
Key Arguments Behind the Measure
Proponents argue that consumers need clear information and that traditional names must only describe items derived from animals.
"An escalope and sausages are goods from animal farming: not from synthetic production nor vegetable sources," said French MEP Céline Imart.
Critics, led by environmental lawmakers, called the move unnecessary restriction.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead consumers, only rightwing politicians," said Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Judicial Background
The isn't the first attempt to control such names. The European parliament voted down a similar prohibition in 2020.
France previously enacted a national restriction on traditional names for vegetarian products in recent years, but the European court of justice ruled it illegal under European legislation in this year.
Business and Public Response
Leading German supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, cautioning that altering familiar names would confuse consumers.
Consumer groups point to surveys showing that the majority of shoppers understand these names as long as items are properly marked as vegan.
"Nearly 70% of consumers understand these names as long as items are explicitly marked plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Comes Next
The proposal now faces review by EU member states, and it must secure majority support to be enacted.
Considering the mixed opinions among various politicians and the public, the future of this initiative remains uncertain.
