EU Parliament Vote to Prohibit Meat-Related Terms for Plant-Based Products
During a major vote on Wednesday, European Parliament members voted by a margin of 355-247 to reserve food names such as "burger" and "schnitzel" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
What the Vote Signifies
If this proposal becomes law, popular plant-based products like plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel may need to change their names throughout EU countries.
However, before the ban to be enforced, it must receive approval from most of the 27 EU countries, something that is far from certain.
The Arguments Surrounding the Measure
Supporters contend that customers require clear information and while meat terms should exclusively refer to products from animals.
"An escalope and sausages are goods from animal farming: not laboratory art nor plant products," stated French MEP the proposal's author.
Critics, led by environmental lawmakers, described the decision unnecessary regulation.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse shoppers, just certain lawmakers," declared Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Judicial Background
The marks another effort to regulate these names. EU lawmakers rejected a similar prohibition in 2020.
France previously introduced a national restriction on traditional names for vegetarian products in recent years, but EU courts determined it illegal under European legislation in this year.
Business and Consumer Response
Leading Germany's supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, warning that altering established names would mislead shoppers.
Advocacy organizations cite surveys indicating that the majority of consumers comprehend these names when products are clearly identified as vegan.
"Almost seventy percent of consumers recognize these names provided items are clearly marked plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The legislative measure next requires consideration by EU member states, where it needs to obtain broad approval to be enacted.
Given the mixed opinions among both lawmakers and the general population, the future of this initiative is still unclear.
