EU Lawmakers Decide to Prohibit Meat-Based Terms for Vegetarian Foods
During a significant decision this week, MEPs voted 355 to 247 to reserve food names including "burger" and "sausage" solely for animal-derived foods.
What the Decision Signifies
If the measure is implemented, popular vegetarian items such as plant-based burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel could need to change their names throughout European Union countries.
Nevertheless, before the restriction to take effect, it must receive approval from most of the 27 EU member states, something that remains far from certain.
The Arguments Surrounding the Measure
Supporters contend that customers require transparent labeling and that meat terms should only describe items from livestock.
"A steak or a sausage represent products from our livestock: not from laboratory art or plant products," stated French lawmaker Céline Imart.
Critics, led by environmental lawmakers, described the move unnecessary regulation.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse shoppers, only certain lawmakers," said Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Judicial Background
The marks another effort to regulate these terminology. EU lawmakers rejected a comparable ban in 2020.
The French government previously enacted a national restriction on traditional names for plant-based foods in recent years, but EU courts determined it invalid under EU law in this year.
Business and Consumer Reaction
Leading Germany's supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, warning that changing established terms would confuse consumers.
Consumer groups point to surveys showing that most consumers understand product labels when products are clearly identified as vegetarian.
"Almost 70% of shoppers recognize these names provided items are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Comes Next
This proposal now requires consideration by EU member states, and it needs to obtain majority support to become law.
Given the mixed opinions among both politicians and the public, the outcome of the proposal is still unclear.
