European Lawmakers Vote to Ban Meat-Based Terms for Vegetarian Foods

In a significant vote on Wednesday, European Parliament members voted by a margin of 355-247 to restrict food names such as "steak" and "sausage" solely for meat products.

The Decision Signifies

Should the measure is implemented, popular vegetarian products such as plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may have to change their names across EU countries.

However, for the restriction to take effect, it needs to gain support from a majority of the 27 EU member states, something that is far from certain.

The Debate Surrounding the Proposal

Proponents argue that customers require transparent labeling and that meat terms must only refer to products derived from livestock.

"A steak and sausages are products from our livestock: not laboratory art nor vegetable sources," stated French lawmaker the proposal's author.

Critics, led by environmental lawmakers, described the move unnecessary restriction.

"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead shoppers, only rightwing politicians," declared Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.

Past Attempts and Legal Background

This marks another attempt to regulate such names. The European parliament rejected a comparable prohibition in 2020.

France previously introduced a domestic restriction on traditional names for vegetarian products in recent years, but the European court of justice determined it invalid under European legislation in this year.

Industry and Public Response

Leading Germany's supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, warning that altering familiar names would mislead shoppers.

Consumer groups point to research indicating that most shoppers understand these names as long as products are clearly identified as vegan.

"Almost 70% of consumers understand the terminology provided items are explicitly labelled vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.

What Comes Following the Vote

This legislative measure next faces consideration by EU member states, and it needs to obtain majority approval to become law.

Considering the divided opinions among both lawmakers and the general population, the outcome of the proposal remains uncertain.