European Parliament Vote to Prohibit Meat-Related Names for Plant-Based Products
In a major decision on Wednesday, MEPs decided by a margin of 355-247 to restrict food names such as "burger" and "schnitzel" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
What the Decision Signifies
Should this proposal is implemented, common plant-based items such as plant-based burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel could need to change their names across EU markets.
However, before the restriction to take effect, it needs to gain approval from a majority of the 27 EU countries, which is far from certain.
The Debate Surrounding the Proposal
Proponents argue that customers require clear labeling and while traditional names should only refer to products derived from animals.
"A steak and sausages represent products from our livestock: not laboratory art nor plant products," said France's lawmaker the proposal's author.
Critics, including environmental lawmakers, described the move political tactics.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead consumers, just certain lawmakers," said Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Judicial Background
The marks another attempt to regulate these names. EU lawmakers voted down a similar prohibition in four years ago.
The French government previously enacted a national ban on traditional names for vegetarian products in recent years, but the European court of justice ruled it illegal under EU law in this year.
Business and Consumer Response
Major Germany's retailers including Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, warning that altering established names would mislead consumers.
Advocacy organizations point to research showing that most shoppers comprehend these names as long as items are properly marked as vegan.
"Nearly seventy percent of consumers understand these names provided items are clearly labelled plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This legislative measure next requires review by EU member states, where it must secure majority approval to become law.
Given the divided views among both politicians and the public, the outcome of the proposal remains unclear.
