European Lawmakers Vote to Ban Meat-Based Names for Plant-Based Products
In a significant decision on Wednesday, European Parliament members decided 355 to 247 to reserve product terms such as "steak" and "sausage" solely for animal-derived foods.
What the Decision Means
If this proposal is implemented, common plant-based items such as plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could need to change their names throughout European Union markets.
However, for the restriction to be enforced, it must gain approval from most of the 27 EU member states, which remains uncertain.
The Arguments Behind the Proposal
Supporters contend that consumers need clear information and while meat terms must only describe items derived from animals.
"A steak and sausages represent goods from animal farming: not synthetic production nor plant products," stated French MEP the proposal's author.
Critics, led by environmental lawmakers, described the move political tactics.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse shoppers, only certain lawmakers," said Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Efforts and Judicial Background
The isn't the first attempt to control these names. EU lawmakers voted down a similar ban in 2020.
The French government earlier introduced a domestic ban on meat terms for plant-based foods in 2020, but EU courts determined it illegal under EU law in 2024.
Industry and Public Response
Major German supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, warning that altering established names would mislead shoppers.
Advocacy organizations point to research indicating that the majority of shoppers comprehend these names as long as items are clearly identified as vegan.
"Nearly 70% of consumers understand the terminology as long as products are clearly labelled plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Next
The 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 general population, the outcome of this initiative is still unclear.
