European Parliament Vote to Prohibit Meat-Related Terms for Plant-Based Products
During a major vote on Wednesday, European Parliament members voted 355 to 247 to restrict food names including "steak" and "sausage" exclusively for meat products.
The Decision Signifies
If this proposal is implemented, common vegetarian products like plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel may have to be renamed across EU markets.
Nevertheless, for the ban to be enforced, it needs to receive support from a majority of the 27 EU member states, which is uncertain.
Key Debate Behind the Proposal
Supporters contend that consumers require clear information and while meat terms should only describe products from animals.
"A steak or a sausage represent goods from animal farming: not from laboratory art nor vegetable sources," said French MEP the proposal's author.
Critics, led by environmental lawmakers, called the move unnecessary regulation.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead consumers, just rightwing politicians," said Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Efforts and Legal Background
The marks another effort to regulate these terminology. The European parliament rejected a comparable ban in 2020.
France previously enacted a domestic restriction on traditional names for plant-based foods in 2020, but EU courts ruled it illegal under EU law in this year.
Industry and Public Response
Leading Germany's supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, warning that changing established terms would mislead consumers.
Consumer groups cite surveys showing that most consumers comprehend product labels as long as products are clearly marked as vegetarian.
"Nearly 70% of shoppers understand the terminology as long as products are clearly marked plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The legislative measure next requires consideration by European governments, where it must secure broad approval to become law.
Given the mixed opinions among various politicians and the public, the outcome of the proposal is still unclear.
