EU Lawmakers Decide to Prohibit Meat-Related Terms for Plant-Based Products

During a major vote on Wednesday, MEPs voted 355 to 247 to reserve food names such as "burger" and "sausage" exclusively for animal-derived foods.

The Vote Means

If the measure is implemented, popular plant-based items like plant-based burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to change their names across EU countries.

However, before the restriction to be enforced, it must receive approval from most of the EU's 27 member states, which is far from certain.

The Arguments Surrounding the Proposal

Supporters argue that consumers require clear information and while meat terms should only describe items derived from livestock.

"An escalope and sausages represent products from animal farming: not laboratory art nor vegetable sources," said French MEP the proposal's author.

Opponents, including Green MEPs, described the move pointless restriction.

"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse consumers, just certain lawmakers," declared Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.

Past Attempts and Judicial Background

The marks another effort to control such terminology. EU lawmakers voted down a similar ban in four years ago.

France previously enacted a national ban on meat terms for plant-based foods in 2020, but EU courts ruled it illegal under European legislation in 2024.

Business and Consumer Response

Leading German retailers including Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, warning that changing familiar terms would confuse consumers.

Advocacy organizations point to research showing that the majority of consumers comprehend these names when items are properly marked as vegetarian.

"Nearly 70% of consumers understand the terminology provided products are clearly labelled vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.

What Next

This legislative measure next requires review by European governments, where it needs to obtain majority support to be enacted.

Given the divided views within various lawmakers and the general population, the outcome of this initiative is still uncertain.