European Lawmakers Decide to Prohibit Meat-Based Names for Plant-Based Products
During a significant decision this week, MEPs decided by a margin of 355-247 to reserve product terms including "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for animal-derived foods.
The Vote Signifies
Should the measure becomes law, common plant-based products like veggie burgers, soy steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could need to be renamed across European Union markets.
However, for the ban to take effect, it needs to receive approval from most of the EU's 27 member states, something that remains uncertain.
The Arguments Surrounding the Proposal
Proponents contend that consumers need clear labeling and that traditional names must only refer to products from livestock.
"A steak or a sausage represent products from animal farming: not synthetic production nor plant products," said France's MEP Céline Imart.
Critics, led by environmental lawmakers, described the move pointless restriction.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse consumers, just rightwing politicians," declared Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Judicial Context
The marks another attempt to control these terminology. EU lawmakers voted down a comparable prohibition in 2020.
The French government earlier introduced a national ban on traditional names for vegetarian products in recent years, but the European court of justice ruled it invalid under European legislation in this year.
Business and Public Reaction
Leading Germany's retailers such as Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, warning that changing familiar terms would mislead shoppers.
Advocacy organizations point to research showing that the majority of shoppers understand these names when items are properly marked as vegan.
"Almost 70% of shoppers understand these names as long as products are explicitly marked plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The legislative measure now requires consideration by European governments, where it needs to obtain majority support to be enacted.
Given the mixed opinions among both politicians and the general population, the future of this initiative remains unclear.
