European Parliament Decide to Ban Meat-Related Names for Vegetarian Foods
During a significant vote on Wednesday, European Parliament members decided by a margin of 355-247 to reserve food names such as "burger" and "sausage" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
What the Decision Signifies
Should the measure becomes law, popular plant-based products such as plant-based burgers, soy steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could need to change their names throughout European Union countries.
However, for the restriction to be enforced, it must gain approval from a majority of the 27 EU countries, which is uncertain.
Key Debate Behind the Measure
Supporters contend that consumers need clear labeling and while meat terms must only refer to items derived from livestock.
"An escalope and sausages are products from animal farming: not synthetic production nor vegetable sources," said French lawmaker the proposal's author.
Opponents, led by environmental lawmakers, called the move unnecessary regulation.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse consumers, only rightwing politicians," declared Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Legal Context
The marks another attempt to control these names. EU lawmakers voted down a comparable prohibition in four years ago.
France previously introduced 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 Consumer Response
Leading German supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, warning that altering familiar names would confuse shoppers.
Consumer groups cite surveys showing that most shoppers understand these names as long as items are properly identified as vegetarian.
"Almost 70% of shoppers understand these names as long as products are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC.
What Next
This legislative measure next faces review by EU member states, where it needs to secure majority support to be enacted.
Given the divided views among both lawmakers and the public, the outcome of the proposal is still uncertain.
