European Parliament Vote to Prohibit Meat-Based Terms for Vegetarian Foods
In a significant vote this week, MEPs voted 355 to 247 to reserve product terms such as "steak" and "schnitzel" solely for meat products.
What the Decision Signifies
If the measure is implemented, popular plant-based products such as veggie burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to be renamed across EU countries.
However, for the ban to take effect, it must receive support from a majority of the 27 EU member states, which remains far from certain.
The Debate Behind the Proposal
Supporters argue that consumers need clear information and that meat terms should only describe products derived from livestock.
"A steak or a sausage represent products from animal farming: not synthetic production or plant products," said French MEP Céline Imart.
Opponents, including Green MEPs, called the decision political tactics.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse consumers, only certain lawmakers," declared Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Legal Background
This isn't the first attempt to control these terminology. EU lawmakers rejected a comparable ban in four years ago.
France previously enacted a national ban on traditional names for vegetarian products in 2020, but the European court of justice determined it invalid under EU law in 2024.
Industry and Public Response
Leading German supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, cautioning that altering established terms would confuse consumers.
Consumer groups cite research showing that the majority of consumers comprehend these names as long as products are properly marked as vegetarian.
"Nearly 70% of consumers understand these names provided items are explicitly marked vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Next
The legislative measure now requires review by European governments, where it needs to secure majority support to be enacted.
Given the mixed views among various lawmakers and the general population, the outcome of this initiative is still unclear.
