EU Lawmakers Vote to Ban Meat-Related Names for Plant-Based Products
In a significant decision this week, MEPs voted 355 to 247 to restrict product terms such as "steak" and "sausage" solely for animal-derived foods.
The Vote Signifies
Should this proposal becomes law, popular plant-based items such as veggie burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could need to change their names throughout EU countries.
However, before the restriction to take effect, it needs to receive support from most of the EU's 27 member states, something that is uncertain.
Key Debate Behind the Proposal
Proponents contend that customers need clear information and while meat terms must only refer to items from livestock.
"A steak and sausages are goods from animal farming: not from laboratory art nor vegetable sources," stated French MEP the proposal's author.
Critics, led by Green MEPs, called the decision political tactics.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse consumers, only certain lawmakers," declared Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Legal Context
This marks another effort to control these terminology. EU lawmakers voted down a similar ban in four years ago.
France previously enacted a domestic ban on traditional names for vegetarian products in 2020, but the European court of justice ruled it illegal under European legislation in this year.
Industry and Consumer Response
Leading German supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, warning that altering familiar terms would mislead consumers.
Consumer groups point to research indicating that most consumers comprehend product labels as long as products are properly identified as vegetarian.
"Almost 70% of consumers understand the terminology provided items are clearly labelled vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC.
What Comes Next
This proposal next requires consideration by European governments, and it needs to obtain majority approval to become law.
Given the divided views within various politicians and the public, the future of this initiative is still unclear.
