EU Parliament Vote to Ban Meat-Related Terms for Vegetarian Foods
In a major vote this week, European Parliament members decided 355 to 247 to restrict product terms such as "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for meat products.
The Decision Signifies
If the measure is implemented, common vegetarian products like veggie burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could have to be renamed throughout European Union countries.
Nevertheless, for the restriction to take effect, it must receive approval from most of the EU's 27 member states, something that is uncertain.
The Debate Surrounding the Measure
Supporters argue that customers need transparent labeling and that meat terms should exclusively refer to items derived from animals.
"An escalope or a sausage represent goods from our livestock: not synthetic production or vegetable sources," said French lawmaker Céline Imart.
Opponents, led by environmental lawmakers, called the decision pointless restriction.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse consumers, just certain lawmakers," said Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Legal Background
The marks another effort to control these terminology. The European parliament voted down a similar prohibition in 2020.
The French government previously introduced a national restriction on meat terms for plant-based foods in recent years, but EU courts determined it invalid under European legislation in this year.
Industry and Consumer Response
Major Germany's supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, cautioning that changing familiar names would mislead consumers.
Consumer groups point to research showing that the majority of shoppers understand product labels as long as items are clearly marked as vegan.
"Almost seventy percent of consumers understand the terminology provided items are explicitly labelled vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC.
What Following the Vote
This proposal next requires review by EU member states, where it must obtain majority support to become law.
Considering the mixed opinions within both politicians and the general population, the outcome of the proposal is still uncertain.
