EU Lawmakers Decide to Ban Meat-Based Terms for Plant-Based Foods
In a significant decision this week, MEPs voted by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms such as "steak" and "schnitzel" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
What the Vote Means
Should the measure becomes law, common vegetarian products such as veggie burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel may need to be renamed throughout European Union countries.
However, for the restriction to take effect, it needs to receive support from most of the EU's 27 member states, something that remains far from certain.
Key Arguments Surrounding the Measure
Proponents contend that customers need transparent information and that traditional names should exclusively describe products derived from animals.
"An escalope and sausages represent goods from animal farming: not laboratory art nor plant products," stated France's lawmaker the proposal's author.
Opponents, including Green MEPs, described the move unnecessary regulation.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead consumers, only certain lawmakers," declared Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Judicial Context
The isn't the first attempt to control these names. EU lawmakers rejected a similar ban in four years ago.
The French government previously introduced a domestic restriction on traditional names for plant-based foods in recent years, but EU courts ruled it illegal under European legislation in this year.
Business and Public Reaction
Leading German retailers such as Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, warning that changing familiar terms would confuse consumers.
Consumer groups point to surveys showing that most consumers understand product labels when items are clearly marked as vegan.
"Nearly seventy percent of consumers understand these names provided items are explicitly labelled plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Comes Next
The proposal now faces consideration by EU member states, and it must obtain broad approval to become law.
Considering the divided views within both lawmakers and the general population, the future of the proposal remains uncertain.