European Lawmakers Decide to Prohibit Meat-Related Names for Plant-Based Foods
In a major vote this week, European Parliament members decided 355 to 247 to reserve food names such as "steak" and "sausage" solely for animal-derived foods.
The Vote Means
If this proposal is implemented, popular plant-based products like plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to be renamed across European Union countries.
Nevertheless, before the ban to take effect, it needs to gain approval from a majority of the 27 EU countries, something that remains uncertain.
The Arguments Behind the Proposal
Proponents contend that consumers need clear information and while meat terms must exclusively refer to products derived from livestock.
"An escalope or a sausage are products from animal farming: not from synthetic production nor vegetable sources," said France's lawmaker Céline Imart.
Opponents, including environmental lawmakers, called the move unnecessary regulation.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse shoppers, only certain lawmakers," declared Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Judicial Context
The marks another attempt to control these names. EU lawmakers rejected a comparable ban in 2020.
The French government previously enacted a national ban on traditional names for plant-based foods in 2020, but the European court of justice determined it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Business and Public Response
Leading Germany's supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, warning that altering familiar terms would mislead shoppers.
Advocacy organizations cite surveys showing that most shoppers comprehend these names when products are clearly marked as vegan.
"Almost 70% of consumers recognize the terminology as long as items are explicitly marked vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Comes Next
The legislative measure now requires consideration by European governments, where it needs to obtain majority approval to be enacted.
Considering the divided opinions within both politicians and the public, the future of the proposal is still unclear.