European Parliament Vote to Ban Meat-Based Names for Vegetarian Products

In a significant decision on Wednesday, MEPs decided by a margin of 355-247 to reserve food names such as "burger" and "sausage" exclusively for animal-derived foods.

The Vote Means

Should the measure becomes law, popular plant-based items like plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel could need to change their names throughout European Union markets.

However, for the restriction to take effect, it must gain approval from a majority of the EU's 27 countries, something that is far from certain.

The Debate Behind the Measure

Proponents contend that consumers require transparent labeling and while meat terms should only describe items derived from livestock.

"A steak or a sausage are products from animal farming: not from laboratory art nor plant products," said France's lawmaker Céline Imart.

Opponents, led by Green MEPs, described the move unnecessary regulation.

"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead shoppers, only certain lawmakers," declared Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.

Previous Attempts and Judicial Context

This marks another effort to control these terminology. The European parliament voted down a comparable prohibition in 2020.

The French government earlier enacted a domestic ban on traditional names for vegetarian products in recent years, but EU courts ruled it invalid under European legislation in 2024.

Business and Public Reaction

Major German retailers including Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, warning that altering established terms would mislead shoppers.

Advocacy organizations cite research indicating that the majority of shoppers understand these names as long as products are properly identified as vegan.

"Almost 70% of shoppers understand the terminology provided items are explicitly labelled vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.

What Comes Following the Vote

The legislative measure now requires consideration by European governments, where it must secure broad support to be enacted.

Considering the divided views among both politicians and the public, the outcome of this initiative is still uncertain.