European Parliament Vote to Prohibit Meat-Based Terms for Plant-Based Products
During a major vote this week, European Parliament members decided 355 to 247 to restrict product terms such as "steak" and "schnitzel" exclusively for meat products.
The Vote Means
If this proposal is implemented, common plant-based products such as plant-based burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel may have to change their names throughout European Union markets.
However, before the restriction to be enforced, it must gain support from most of the 27 EU member states, which remains uncertain.
Key Arguments Behind the Measure
Supporters argue that consumers need clear labeling and that meat terms should only describe items from livestock.
"A steak or a sausage are products from our livestock: not from synthetic production or plant products," stated French MEP Céline Imart.
Critics, led by Green MEPs, described the move populist tactics.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse shoppers, only rightwing politicians," said Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Legal Background
The marks another effort to control such names. EU lawmakers rejected a similar ban in four years ago.
France earlier introduced a national restriction on traditional names for plant-based foods in 2020, but the European court of justice ruled it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Business and Consumer Reaction
Leading Germany's retailers such as Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, cautioning that changing familiar names would confuse shoppers.
Consumer groups cite surveys indicating that the majority of consumers understand these names as long as products are properly identified as vegan.
"Almost 70% of shoppers understand these names provided items are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC.
What Comes Next
The proposal now requires review by EU member states, and it must obtain broad support to become law.
Considering the mixed views within various politicians and the general population, the future of this initiative remains uncertain.
