European Parliament Decide to Ban Meat-Based Names for Vegetarian Foods
During a significant vote on Wednesday, MEPs voted by a margin of 355-247 to restrict food names such as "burger" and "schnitzel" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
What the Vote Signifies
If the measure is implemented, common plant-based items like veggie burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to change their names throughout European Union markets.
Nevertheless, for the ban to be enforced, it needs to gain approval from a majority of the EU's 27 member states, something that is far from certain.
The Debate Surrounding the Measure
Supporters argue that customers require clear labeling and while meat terms must exclusively describe items from animals.
"A steak or a sausage are goods from animal farming: not from laboratory art or vegetable sources," stated France's lawmaker Céline Imart.
Opponents, led by environmental lawmakers, called the move unnecessary restriction.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse consumers, only certain lawmakers," declared Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Legal Background
This isn't the first attempt to regulate such names. The European parliament voted down a similar ban in four years ago.
France previously enacted a national restriction on meat terms for vegetarian products in 2020, but EU courts determined it invalid under European legislation in this year.
Industry and Public Response
Leading German retailers such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, cautioning that altering established terms would mislead consumers.
Advocacy organizations point to research showing that the majority of consumers comprehend these names when items are clearly identified as vegan.
"Nearly seventy percent of shoppers understand these names provided items are clearly labelled vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This proposal next requires review by EU member states, where it must obtain majority approval to be enacted.
Given the mixed opinions within both politicians and the public, the future of this initiative is still uncertain.
