European Lawmakers Vote to Prohibit Meat-Related Names for Vegetarian Products
In a major decision on Wednesday, European Parliament members voted 355 to 247 to reserve product terms such as "steak" and "sausage" solely for animal-derived foods.
What the Vote Signifies
If the measure becomes law, popular vegetarian products like veggie burgers, soy steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could have to change their names across European Union markets.
Nevertheless, for the restriction to be enforced, it needs to receive support from a majority of the EU's 27 member states, something that is far from certain.
Key Debate Behind the Proposal
Proponents argue that consumers need clear labeling and that meat terms must exclusively describe products derived from livestock.
"A steak or a sausage are goods from our livestock: not laboratory art nor vegetable sources," said France's lawmaker CĂ©line Imart.
Critics, including Green MEPs, described the decision unnecessary regulation.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse shoppers, just certain lawmakers," declared Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Legal Background
The isn't the first effort to regulate such names. EU lawmakers voted down a comparable prohibition in 2020.
France previously introduced a domestic restriction on meat terms for vegetarian products in recent years, but EU courts ruled it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Business and Public Reaction
Leading Germany's retailers such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, cautioning that changing established terms would confuse consumers.
Advocacy organizations point to surveys showing that most consumers comprehend product labels when products are properly identified as vegan.
"Nearly 70% of consumers recognize these names provided products are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This legislative measure now faces consideration by EU member states, and it must obtain majority support to be enacted.
Considering the divided opinions among both lawmakers and the public, the outcome of the proposal remains uncertain.
