EU Parliament Decide to Prohibit Meat-Related Terms for Vegetarian Products
During a significant vote this week, European Parliament members voted 355 to 247 to restrict product terms such as "burger" and "sausage" solely for animal-derived foods.
The Decision Signifies
If this proposal is implemented, popular plant-based items such as plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to change their names throughout EU countries.
Nevertheless, before the restriction to take effect, it needs to gain support from most of the EU's 27 countries, which remains far from certain.
Key Debate Behind the Measure
Proponents contend that consumers require transparent labeling and while traditional names should only describe items from livestock.
"A steak and sausages are goods from animal farming: not from synthetic production nor vegetable sources," said French MEP the proposal's author.
Opponents, including environmental lawmakers, described the move unnecessary restriction.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead consumers, just certain lawmakers," declared Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Judicial Context
The marks another effort to control these terminology. EU lawmakers voted down a similar ban in 2020.
The French government earlier introduced a national restriction on meat terms for vegetarian products in recent years, but EU courts determined it invalid under EU law in this year.
Industry and Consumer Response
Leading Germany's retailers including Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, cautioning that altering familiar names would confuse consumers.
Advocacy organizations cite surveys indicating that the majority of consumers understand these names as long as items are clearly marked as vegetarian.
"Almost 70% of shoppers recognize these names as long as products are explicitly labelled vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This legislative measure now requires consideration by EU member states, and it must secure broad approval to become law.
Considering the mixed views within various politicians and the general population, the future of this initiative remains unclear.
