European Parliament Decide to Prohibit Meat-Related Names for Plant-Based Foods
During a significant vote this week, European Parliament members voted 355 to 247 to reserve food names such as "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for meat products.
What the Vote Means
Should this proposal is implemented, popular plant-based products like plant-based burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to be renamed throughout European Union countries.
However, before the restriction to take effect, it must gain approval from a majority of the EU's 27 member states, which is uncertain.
The Debate Surrounding the Measure
Supporters contend that consumers require transparent information and while traditional names should only describe products from livestock.
"A steak and sausages are goods from animal farming: not from synthetic production nor plant products," said France's MEP Céline Imart.
Critics, led by environmental lawmakers, described the decision unnecessary restriction.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead consumers, only rightwing politicians," said Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Legal Background
This marks another attempt to regulate such terminology. The European parliament rejected a comparable ban in four years ago.
The French government previously enacted a national ban on traditional names for plant-based foods in recent years, but the European court of justice ruled it invalid under EU law in this year.
Industry and Consumer Response
Leading German retailers such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, warning that changing established names would confuse shoppers.
Consumer groups point to surveys indicating that the majority of shoppers understand these names when products are properly identified as vegan.
"Nearly 70% of consumers recognize these names provided products are clearly marked plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This proposal now requires consideration by EU member states, and it needs to secure majority approval to be enacted.
Given the mixed views among both politicians and the general population, the outcome of the proposal is still unclear.
