European Parliament Decide to Prohibit Meat-Based Names for Plant-Based Products
In a major vote on Wednesday, MEPs voted 355 to 247 to restrict food names including "steak" and "schnitzel" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
The Decision Signifies
Should the measure becomes law, common plant-based items like plant-based burgers, soy steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may have to be renamed throughout European Union countries.
Nevertheless, before the ban to take effect, it needs to receive approval from most of the EU's 27 countries, something that is uncertain.
Key Arguments Surrounding the Proposal
Supporters contend that customers need clear information and while meat terms must only refer to products from livestock.
"A steak or a sausage represent products from animal farming: not laboratory art or plant products," stated French lawmaker CĂ©line Imart.
Opponents, including environmental lawmakers, described the move political tactics.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse shoppers, just certain lawmakers," declared Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Legal Context
The marks another attempt to regulate these terminology. EU lawmakers rejected a similar ban in 2020.
The French government earlier enacted a domestic restriction on traditional names for plant-based foods in 2020, but the European court of justice ruled it illegal under EU law in this year.
Business and Consumer Response
Major German retailers such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, warning that changing familiar terms would confuse consumers.
Advocacy organizations point to research showing that most shoppers understand product labels when products are clearly identified as vegan.
"Nearly 70% of shoppers recognize the terminology as long as products are explicitly labelled plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The proposal now requires consideration by EU member states, where it needs to secure majority support to be enacted.
Given the divided opinions within both politicians and the public, the outcome of the proposal remains unclear.
