During a significant decision this week, MEPs voted 355 to 247 to reserve product terms such as "burger" and "schnitzel" exclusively for meat products.
The Decision Means
If the measure is implemented, popular plant-based products such as veggie burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel could need to change their names across European Union markets.
However, for the restriction to be enforced, it must receive support from a majority of the 27 EU countries, something that remains far from certain.
Key Arguments Surrounding the Measure
Proponents argue that consumers require clear labeling and that meat terms should only refer to products from animals.
"An escalope and sausages are goods from our livestock: not from synthetic production nor plant products," stated France's lawmaker the proposal's author.
Critics, including environmental lawmakers, called the move unnecessary regulation.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse shoppers, just rightwing politicians," declared Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Judicial Background
This isn't the first effort to regulate these terminology. The European parliament rejected a comparable prohibition in four years ago.
The French government previously introduced a national ban on traditional names for plant-based foods in recent years, but EU courts determined it illegal under EU law in this year.
Business and Public Response
Leading German supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, cautioning that changing familiar names would confuse consumers.
Consumer groups cite surveys indicating that most shoppers comprehend product labels as long as products are clearly identified as vegan.
"Almost seventy percent of shoppers recognize the terminology as long as products are explicitly marked vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Next
The legislative measure now requires consideration by European governments, and it needs to secure majority approval to become law.
Given the divided views within various politicians and the general population, the future of this initiative remains unclear.
