European Parliament Decide to Prohibit Meat-Related Terms for Plant-Based Foods
During a significant decision on Wednesday, European Parliament members voted 355 to 247 to reserve food names such as "steak" and "schnitzel" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
The Vote Signifies
If this proposal becomes law, common vegetarian products such as plant-based burgers, soy steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could have to change their names throughout EU markets.
However, for the restriction to take effect, it must gain approval from a majority of the EU's 27 countries, something that is far from certain.
The Debate Behind the Measure
Supporters contend that customers need transparent labeling and while traditional names must exclusively describe products from livestock.
"An escalope or a sausage represent goods from our livestock: not laboratory art or plant products," stated French lawmaker the proposal's author.
Opponents, led by environmental lawmakers, described the decision unnecessary restriction.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead shoppers, only rightwing politicians," said Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Judicial Context
The isn't the first effort to regulate such terminology. The European parliament voted down a similar prohibition in 2020.
France previously introduced a national ban on meat terms for plant-based foods in recent years, but EU courts ruled it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Business and Consumer Reaction
Leading Germany's supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, warning that changing familiar terms would confuse consumers.
Consumer groups point to research showing that the majority of consumers comprehend these names when products are clearly marked as vegan.
"Almost seventy percent of shoppers understand the terminology provided products are explicitly marked vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The proposal next faces consideration by EU member states, and it must secure broad support to become law.
Considering the mixed opinions within various lawmakers and the public, the future of the proposal remains unclear.
