European Parliament Decide to Prohibit Meat-Based Terms for Vegetarian Products

In a major decision this week, European Parliament members voted 355 to 247 to reserve product terms such as "steak" and "sausage" solely for animal-derived foods.

The Vote Signifies

If this proposal becomes law, common vegetarian items such as plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to be renamed across EU countries.

However, for the restriction to take effect, it needs to receive support from a majority of the 27 EU member states, which is far from certain.

Key Debate Behind the Proposal

Supporters contend that customers need clear labeling and while traditional names must only describe items from livestock.

"A steak or a sausage represent goods from our livestock: not from synthetic production or plant products," said France's lawmaker Céline Imart.

Critics, led by Green MEPs, described the decision unnecessary regulation.

"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead shoppers, only rightwing politicians," said Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.

Previous Efforts and Judicial Context

The marks another effort to control such names. The European parliament rejected a similar ban in 2020.

France previously introduced a national restriction on meat terms for plant-based foods in recent years, but EU courts determined it illegal under EU law in 2024.

Business and Public Reaction

Major German retailers such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, cautioning that changing established terms would confuse shoppers.

Advocacy organizations cite surveys showing that the majority of shoppers comprehend product labels as long as products are clearly identified as vegan.

"Nearly 70% of shoppers recognize the terminology provided products are explicitly labelled plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC.

What Following the Vote

The legislative measure now requires review by European governments, and it needs to secure majority support to become law.

Given the divided views among various lawmakers and the public, the outcome of the proposal remains uncertain.