European Parliament Decide to Prohibit Meat-Related Terms for Vegetarian Foods
In a significant vote on Wednesday, MEPs decided 355 to 247 to restrict food names such as "steak" and "sausage" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
What the Vote Means
If the measure becomes law, common vegetarian items like veggie burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel may have to be renamed across European Union markets.
However, for the restriction to be enforced, it must gain approval from a majority of the EU's 27 member states, which is far from certain.
Key Arguments Behind the Measure
Supporters contend that customers require transparent information and while meat terms should only describe items from animals.
"A steak or a sausage represent products from animal farming: not synthetic production or vegetable sources," said French lawmaker the proposal's author.
Opponents, led by Green MEPs, described the move unnecessary restriction.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead consumers, just rightwing politicians," said Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Judicial Background
This isn't the first effort to regulate such names. EU lawmakers voted down a comparable prohibition in 2020.
The French government previously enacted a national ban on meat terms for plant-based foods in recent years, but EU courts determined it invalid under European legislation in 2024.
Industry and Consumer Reaction
Major German supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, cautioning that altering established names would confuse consumers.
Advocacy organizations cite surveys indicating that the majority of shoppers comprehend these names when products are properly marked as vegan.
"Nearly 70% of consumers understand the terminology as long as items are explicitly marked plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This legislative measure next faces consideration by European governments, where it must obtain majority approval to become law.
Considering the mixed views among various lawmakers and the public, the outcome of the proposal remains uncertain.
