EU Lawmakers Vote to Ban Meat-Based Names for Plant-Based Products
During a significant decision this week, MEPs decided 355 to 247 to reserve food names including "steak" and "sausage" solely for animal-derived foods.
What the Vote Signifies
If the measure is implemented, common plant-based items like plant-based burgers, soy steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may have to change their names throughout EU countries.
Nevertheless, for the ban to be enforced, it must gain support from most of the EU's 27 member states, something that is uncertain.
Key Debate Behind the Measure
Supporters argue that consumers require transparent information and while traditional names must only describe items derived from animals.
"A steak and sausages are goods from our livestock: not from synthetic production nor plant products," said French lawmaker the proposal's author.
Opponents, including environmental lawmakers, called the move populist tactics.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead shoppers, only certain lawmakers," declared Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Judicial Context
The isn't the first attempt to regulate these terminology. The European parliament voted down a comparable ban in 2020.
The French government earlier introduced a national restriction on traditional names for plant-based foods in recent years, but the European court of justice determined it illegal under European legislation in this year.
Business and Consumer Response
Leading German supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, warning that altering familiar names would mislead consumers.
Advocacy organizations point to research showing that the majority of shoppers comprehend these names as long as items are properly marked as vegetarian.
"Almost 70% of shoppers recognize the terminology provided items are clearly marked plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Next
The legislative measure now requires consideration by European governments, where it needs to secure majority approval to be enacted.
Considering the mixed views among various lawmakers and the public, the outcome of the proposal remains uncertain.
