European Lawmakers Decide to Prohibit Meat-Related Terms for Vegetarian Foods
During a major vote this week, European Parliament members decided 355 to 247 to reserve product terms such as "burger" and "sausage" solely for animal-derived foods.
The Vote Signifies
If this proposal is implemented, popular vegetarian products like veggie burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel may have to change their names across European Union countries.
However, before the ban to take effect, it must gain support from most of the 27 EU countries, which remains uncertain.
The Arguments Behind the Proposal
Proponents contend that consumers need clear labeling and that traditional names should exclusively describe products from animals.
"An escalope and sausages represent products from our livestock: not laboratory art nor vegetable sources," stated French MEP the proposal's author.
Opponents, led by environmental lawmakers, described the decision pointless regulation.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead shoppers, just rightwing politicians," said Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Efforts and Judicial Background
The isn't the first attempt to regulate such names. EU lawmakers rejected a similar ban in 2020.
France previously introduced a domestic ban on meat terms for vegetarian products in 2020, but the European court of justice determined it illegal under European legislation in this year.
Business and Consumer Reaction
Leading Germany's retailers including Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, cautioning that changing familiar names would mislead consumers.
Advocacy organizations cite surveys showing that the majority of consumers comprehend these names as long as items are properly identified as vegan.
"Nearly seventy percent of consumers understand these names provided items are clearly labelled plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The proposal next faces consideration by European governments, and it must obtain broad approval to become law.
Considering the mixed views within various lawmakers and the public, the outcome of the proposal is still unclear.
