EU Parliament Decide to Ban Meat-Based Terms for Plant-Based Products
In a major vote on Wednesday, European Parliament members decided 355 to 247 to reserve food names such as "steak" and "sausage" solely for meat products.
What the Vote Means
If the measure is implemented, common plant-based products such as veggie burgers, soy steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could have to change their names across EU markets.
Nevertheless, before the ban to be enforced, it must gain support from a majority of the EU's 27 member states, which is uncertain.
The Arguments Behind the Measure
Supporters argue that customers need clear labeling and that traditional names must only describe items from animals.
"An escalope and sausages represent goods from animal farming: not synthetic production or plant products," said France's MEP Céline Imart.
Opponents, including Green MEPs, described the move unnecessary regulation.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse shoppers, just rightwing politicians," said Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Judicial Context
The isn't the first attempt to regulate these terminology. EU lawmakers rejected a similar ban in 2020.
France previously introduced a national ban on meat terms for plant-based foods in recent years, but the European court of justice determined it invalid under European legislation in 2024.
Industry and Public Response
Major Germany's retailers such as Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, warning that altering familiar names would mislead shoppers.
Consumer groups cite surveys showing that the majority of shoppers comprehend these names when products are clearly marked as vegetarian.
"Nearly seventy percent of consumers understand these names provided items are explicitly labelled vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Next
The proposal now faces consideration by EU member states, and it must secure broad approval to be enacted.
Given the mixed views among both lawmakers and the public, the outcome of this initiative remains unclear.
