European Parliament Decide to Prohibit Meat-Related Names for Vegetarian Foods
During a significant decision on Wednesday, European Parliament members decided by a margin of 355-247 to reserve product terms such as "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for animal-derived foods.
What the Decision Signifies
If the measure is implemented, popular vegetarian products like veggie burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could have to be renamed throughout European Union countries.
However, before the ban to take effect, it must gain approval from a majority of the 27 EU member states, which remains uncertain.
Key Debate Behind the Measure
Proponents contend that customers require transparent labeling and that traditional names should only describe products derived from livestock.
"An escalope and sausages represent goods from animal farming: not synthetic production or plant products," stated French MEP the proposal's author.
Opponents, including environmental lawmakers, called the move pointless regulation.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse shoppers, just rightwing politicians," declared Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Judicial Background
The isn't the first attempt to regulate such names. The European parliament rejected a comparable prohibition in 2020.
France earlier introduced a domestic restriction on traditional names for vegetarian products in 2020, but the European court of justice ruled it illegal under European legislation in this year.
Industry and Consumer Response
Leading Germany's retailers including Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, warning that changing familiar names would mislead shoppers.
Advocacy organizations point to research showing that the majority of consumers comprehend product labels when products are clearly identified as vegan.
"Almost 70% of shoppers understand these names provided items are clearly labelled vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC.
What Comes Next
The legislative measure next faces consideration by EU member states, where it needs to obtain broad approval to be enacted.
Given the mixed views among both lawmakers and the general population, the outcome of the proposal remains uncertain.
