EU Lawmakers Decide to Ban Meat-Related Names for Plant-Based Products

During a significant vote on Wednesday, European Parliament members decided 355 to 247 to restrict food names including "burger" and "sausage" exclusively for meat products.

The Vote Means

Should the measure becomes law, popular vegetarian items like veggie burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may have to be renamed throughout EU countries.

However, for the restriction to be enforced, it must gain approval from a majority of the 27 EU countries, which remains uncertain.

The Debate Behind the Proposal

Proponents argue that customers need clear labeling and while meat terms should only describe products from animals.

"An escalope and sausages represent goods from animal farming: not from synthetic production or vegetable sources," stated French lawmaker the proposal's author.

Critics, including Green MEPs, called the move political tactics.

"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse consumers, only certain lawmakers," said Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.

Previous Attempts and Legal Background

This isn't the first attempt to control such terminology. EU lawmakers rejected a similar prohibition in four years ago.

France previously enacted a national ban on traditional names for plant-based foods in recent years, but EU courts determined it illegal under European legislation in this year.

Industry and Public Reaction

Leading Germany's retailers such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, warning that altering familiar names would confuse shoppers.

Consumer groups cite surveys indicating that the majority of consumers understand product labels as long as items are properly marked as vegan.

"Almost seventy percent of shoppers understand these names provided items are clearly marked plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.

What Comes Following the Vote

This legislative measure next requires review by European governments, where it needs to secure majority support to become law.

Given the divided views among various lawmakers and the general population, the outcome of this initiative remains uncertain.