EU Parliament Decide to Ban Meat-Based Names for Vegetarian Foods
In a significant vote this week, European Parliament members decided by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms including "steak" and "schnitzel" solely for meat products.
The Decision Means
Should the measure becomes law, popular vegetarian items like veggie burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel could need to be renamed throughout EU countries.
However, for the restriction to be enforced, it must gain approval from a majority of the 27 EU member states, something that is far from certain.
The Debate Behind the Measure
Proponents argue that consumers need clear information and while meat terms should exclusively refer to products from animals.
"An escalope and sausages represent products from animal farming: not from laboratory art nor plant products," said France's lawmaker Céline Imart.
Critics, led by environmental lawmakers, described the move unnecessary restriction.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse consumers, only rightwing politicians," said Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Legal Context
The marks another attempt to regulate such names. EU lawmakers voted down a similar prohibition in 2020.
The French government earlier enacted a national ban on meat terms for plant-based foods in 2020, but EU courts determined it invalid under European legislation in this year.
Business and Consumer Reaction
Major Germany's retailers including Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, warning that altering familiar names would mislead shoppers.
Advocacy organizations point to research indicating that most consumers understand these names when items are clearly identified as vegan.
"Nearly 70% of shoppers recognize the terminology as long as products are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Comes Next
This proposal now requires consideration by EU member states, and it needs to obtain majority approval to be enacted.
Considering the mixed opinions among various politicians and the public, the future of the proposal remains unclear.
