EU Lawmakers Vote to Ban Meat-Related Names for Plant-Based Products
During a significant vote on Wednesday, MEPs decided by a margin of 355-247 to reserve product terms such as "burger" and "schnitzel" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
The Vote Signifies
Should this proposal becomes law, popular vegetarian products such as plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel may need to be renamed throughout European Union markets.
However, before the restriction to take effect, it must receive approval from most of the EU's 27 countries, which is uncertain.
Key Debate Behind the Measure
Supporters contend that consumers require transparent information and while meat terms must only describe products derived from animals.
"An escalope or a sausage are products from animal farming: not laboratory art or plant products," stated France's lawmaker the proposal's author.
Critics, including environmental lawmakers, described the move political maneuvering.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead consumers, only rightwing politicians," declared Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Legal Background
The marks another effort to control such names. The European parliament rejected a comparable prohibition in 2020.
France previously enacted a domestic ban on traditional names for plant-based foods in recent years, but the European court of justice determined it invalid under European legislation in this year.
Business and Consumer Reaction
Major German supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, cautioning that altering familiar terms would mislead shoppers.
Consumer groups cite surveys indicating that most shoppers comprehend these names as long as products are properly marked as vegan.
"Almost 70% of consumers understand these names as long as items are explicitly marked vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The proposal now faces consideration by EU member states, where it must secure majority approval to be enacted.
Given the mixed opinions within both politicians and the public, the outcome of this initiative remains uncertain.
