European Lawmakers Vote to Ban Meat-Based Terms for Vegetarian Products
During a significant decision this week, European Parliament members decided by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms including "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for meat products.
The Vote Signifies
Should this proposal becomes law, common plant-based items such as veggie burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could have to change their names throughout European Union countries.
However, before the restriction to be enforced, it needs to receive approval from most of the EU's 27 countries, something that is uncertain.
Key Arguments Behind the Proposal
Proponents argue that customers need transparent information and while traditional names should only describe products from livestock.
"An escalope and sausages are goods from our livestock: not laboratory art or plant products," said France's lawmaker Céline Imart.
Opponents, including Green MEPs, described the decision pointless regulation.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse shoppers, only certain lawmakers," said Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Legal Background
This marks another attempt to regulate these names. The European parliament rejected a similar ban in 2020.
France earlier introduced a domestic restriction on meat terms for vegetarian products in recent years, but EU courts ruled it illegal under European legislation in this year.
Industry and Consumer Reaction
Major Germany's supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, cautioning that changing familiar terms would mislead shoppers.
Advocacy organizations cite research indicating that the majority of consumers comprehend these names as long as products are properly identified as vegan.
"Nearly 70% of shoppers understand these names provided items are explicitly marked plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Following the Vote
This legislative measure next faces review by European governments, and it must secure broad support to become law.
Considering the mixed views among both lawmakers and the public, the future of the proposal remains uncertain.
