European Lawmakers Vote to Prohibit Meat-Related Names for Vegetarian Products
During a significant vote on Wednesday, European Parliament members voted by a margin of 355-247 to restrict food names including "steak" and "sausage" solely for meat products.
What the Decision Means
If the measure is implemented, popular vegetarian products such as veggie burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to be renamed throughout EU countries.
Nevertheless, before the restriction to take effect, it needs to receive support from most of the EU's 27 countries, which is far from certain.
The Arguments Surrounding the Proposal
Proponents contend that consumers need clear labeling and while meat terms should exclusively refer to items derived from animals.
"A steak or a sausage are products from our livestock: not synthetic production or vegetable sources," said France's MEP Céline Imart.
Critics, led by Green MEPs, described the move political maneuvering.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead consumers, only rightwing politicians," declared Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Efforts and Legal Context
This marks another effort to control such names. The European parliament voted down a similar ban in 2020.
France earlier enacted a domestic ban on traditional names for vegetarian products in recent years, but EU courts ruled it invalid under European legislation in this year.
Industry and Public Response
Leading Germany's retailers including Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, warning that changing familiar terms would mislead shoppers.
Advocacy organizations cite research indicating that most shoppers comprehend product labels as long as products are properly identified as vegan.
"Nearly seventy percent of shoppers understand the terminology provided products are explicitly marked plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The proposal now requires review by EU member states, where it must obtain broad approval to become law.
Considering the mixed opinions among various lawmakers and the general population, the outcome of this initiative remains unclear.
