European Lawmakers Vote to Prohibit Meat-Related Terms for Vegetarian Products
During a major decision this week, European Parliament members decided 355 to 247 to restrict food names including "burger" and "sausage" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
What the Decision Means
If the measure is implemented, common plant-based products like veggie burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could have to change their names throughout EU markets.
Nevertheless, for the ban to take effect, it must gain support from a majority of the EU's 27 member states, something that remains uncertain.
The Arguments Surrounding the Measure
Proponents argue that consumers need clear labeling and while meat terms should exclusively refer to items from animals.
"An escalope or a sausage are products from our livestock: not from laboratory art nor plant products," said French MEP Céline Imart.
Critics, including Green MEPs, called the decision political maneuvering.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead shoppers, just certain lawmakers," declared Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Judicial Context
This isn't the first effort to regulate these terminology. The European parliament rejected a comparable prohibition in four years ago.
France previously introduced a national restriction on meat terms for plant-based foods in 2020, but the European court of justice determined it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Business and Consumer Response
Leading German supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, warning that changing familiar terms would mislead consumers.
Advocacy organizations cite research indicating that the majority of consumers comprehend these names as long as products are properly marked as vegan.
"Nearly 70% of consumers recognize these names as long as items are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Comes Next
This proposal next faces review by EU member states, where it must secure broad approval to become law.
Given the divided views among both politicians and the public, the future of the proposal remains uncertain.
