EU Lawmakers Vote to Ban Meat-Related Names for Vegetarian Products
During a major vote this week, European Parliament members voted 355 to 247 to reserve product terms including "steak" and "sausage" exclusively for meat products.
What the Decision Signifies
If the measure is implemented, common plant-based products such as plant-based burgers, soy steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could need to change their names throughout European Union markets.
However, for the ban to take effect, it must gain approval from a majority of the 27 EU countries, which is far from certain.
Key Debate Behind the Measure
Proponents contend that consumers require clear information and while meat terms should exclusively describe items derived from livestock.
"A steak or a sausage represent products from our livestock: not synthetic production nor vegetable sources," said French MEP the proposal's author.
Opponents, including Green MEPs, described the move unnecessary restriction.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead shoppers, only rightwing politicians," said Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Legal Context
This marks another attempt to control these terminology. The European parliament rejected a comparable ban in 2020.
The French government previously introduced a domestic ban on traditional names for vegetarian products in 2020, but the European court of justice determined it illegal under European legislation in 2024.
Business and Public Response
Leading German retailers such as Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, cautioning that changing established names would mislead consumers.
Consumer groups cite surveys showing that most shoppers comprehend these names when products are clearly marked as vegan.
"Nearly seventy percent of consumers recognize these names as long as items are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The legislative measure next faces consideration by European governments, and it needs to secure majority support to become law.
Given the divided opinions within both politicians and the general population, the outcome of this initiative remains unclear.
