European Parliament Decide to Ban Meat-Related Names for Vegetarian Foods
In a significant decision this week, MEPs decided 355 to 247 to restrict product terms such as "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for meat products.
What the Decision Means
Should the measure is implemented, popular vegetarian items such as veggie burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to be renamed throughout European Union markets.
However, before the restriction to be enforced, it needs to receive support from most of the 27 EU member states, something that remains far from certain.
The Debate Surrounding the Proposal
Proponents argue that customers require clear information and while meat terms should exclusively describe products derived from animals.
"An escalope and sausages represent products from animal farming: not from synthetic production or vegetable sources," said French lawmaker the proposal's author.
Opponents, including environmental lawmakers, called the decision pointless restriction.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead shoppers, just certain lawmakers," said Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Judicial Background
The isn't the first effort to control these terminology. The European parliament rejected a similar ban in 2020.
The French government previously enacted a national restriction on traditional names for vegetarian products in 2020, but EU courts determined it invalid under EU law in this year.
Industry and Public Reaction
Leading German retailers such as Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, cautioning that changing established names would confuse shoppers.
Advocacy organizations cite research showing that the majority of consumers comprehend product labels as long as items are clearly identified as vegetarian.
"Nearly seventy percent of consumers recognize the terminology as long as items are explicitly labelled plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Following the Vote
The proposal now requires consideration by EU member states, where it needs to secure majority support to become law.
Given the mixed opinions within various lawmakers and the general population, the future of this initiative is still unclear.
