EU Lawmakers Decide to Ban Meat-Based Names for Vegetarian Products

In a significant decision this week, European Parliament members voted 355 to 247 to reserve product terms such as "steak" and "schnitzel" solely for meat products.

The Vote Means

If this proposal becomes law, common plant-based products like veggie burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to be renamed throughout EU countries.

However, for the ban to take effect, it must receive approval from a majority of the 27 EU member states, which is far from certain.

The Debate Behind the Proposal

Supporters contend that consumers need clear labeling and that traditional names should exclusively describe items derived from animals.

"A steak and sausages are goods from our livestock: not from laboratory art nor plant products," stated French MEP Céline Imart.

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

"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead shoppers, only certain lawmakers," declared Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.

Past Efforts and Legal Background

The isn't the first effort to regulate these terminology. The European parliament voted down a comparable prohibition in 2020.

France earlier introduced a national restriction on traditional names for vegetarian products in 2020, but EU courts determined it invalid under EU law in 2024.

Business and Public Reaction

Leading Germany's retailers including Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, warning that changing familiar terms would mislead consumers.

Advocacy organizations point to research showing that most consumers understand product labels when items are properly marked as vegetarian.

"Almost 70% of shoppers recognize these names provided items are explicitly labelled plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC.

What Comes Following the Vote

The legislative measure next faces review by EU member states, where it must obtain broad support to become law.

Given the divided views among both politicians and the general population, the outcome of the proposal is still unclear.