European Lawmakers Vote to Prohibit Meat-Based Terms for Plant-Based Products
During a significant decision this week, European Parliament members decided 355 to 247 to restrict food names such as "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for animal-derived foods.
The Decision Signifies
If this proposal is implemented, common plant-based products like plant-based burgers, soy steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may need to be renamed throughout European Union markets.
However, for the ban to be enforced, it must receive support from a majority of the EU's 27 member states, which is uncertain.
Key Debate Surrounding the Proposal
Proponents argue that consumers require transparent labeling and that traditional names must only refer to items from animals.
"An escalope or a sausage are goods from animal farming: not from laboratory art nor plant products," stated French lawmaker the proposal's author.
Critics, including environmental lawmakers, described the decision populist tactics.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead shoppers, just rightwing politicians," said Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Judicial Background
The isn't the first effort to control such terminology. EU lawmakers voted down a similar prohibition in four years ago.
The French government earlier introduced a domestic ban on meat terms for plant-based foods in 2020, but the European court of justice ruled it illegal under EU law in 2024.
Business and Public Response
Leading German retailers such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, warning that altering familiar names would confuse shoppers.
Advocacy organizations cite surveys indicating that the majority of consumers understand product labels as long as items are clearly marked as vegan.
"Nearly 70% of shoppers recognize the terminology as long as items are clearly marked plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This legislative measure now requires review by European governments, where it must secure broad support to become law.
Given the divided opinions within various politicians and the public, the future of the proposal is still unclear.
