European Lawmakers Decide to Prohibit Meat-Related Terms for Plant-Based Foods
During a major decision on Wednesday, European Parliament members decided 355 to 247 to restrict product terms including "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for animal-derived foods.
What the Decision Means
If this proposal is implemented, common plant-based products like plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel may have to be renamed across European Union markets.
Nevertheless, for the ban to take effect, it must receive approval from most of the EU's 27 member states, which is uncertain.
The Debate Surrounding the Measure
Proponents argue that customers need transparent labeling and while meat terms should only describe items derived from livestock.
"A steak and sausages are goods from animal farming: not laboratory art nor plant products," said French MEP Céline Imart.
Critics, including environmental lawmakers, described the move populist tactics.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse consumers, only certain lawmakers," said Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Legal Background
The isn't the first attempt to control such names. The European parliament rejected a similar ban in four years ago.
France earlier enacted a national restriction on meat terms for plant-based foods in 2020, but EU courts determined it invalid under European legislation in this year.
Industry and Public Response
Major German retailers such as Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, cautioning that altering established names would confuse consumers.
Consumer groups cite surveys indicating that most shoppers comprehend product labels as long as products are clearly identified as vegan.
"Nearly 70% of shoppers understand these names as long as products are clearly labelled vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Comes Next
The legislative measure now requires review by EU member states, and it must obtain majority approval to be enacted.
Considering the divided opinions among various lawmakers and the public, the outcome of the proposal remains uncertain.
