European Lawmakers Vote to Prohibit Meat-Based Terms for Plant-Based Foods
During a major vote this week, MEPs voted 355 to 247 to restrict food names such as "burger" and "sausage" solely for animal-derived foods.
The Vote Means
If the measure becomes law, popular plant-based items such as plant-based burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to change their names across EU markets.
However, before the ban to take effect, it must gain approval from most of the 27 EU member states, something that is uncertain.
The Debate Surrounding the Measure
Supporters argue that customers need transparent information and that traditional names should only describe products derived from livestock.
"A steak and sausages represent goods from our livestock: not from laboratory art or plant products," said France's MEP Céline Imart.
Opponents, led by Green MEPs, called the move unnecessary restriction.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead consumers, just certain lawmakers," declared Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Efforts and Legal Background
This isn't the first attempt to regulate these terminology. EU lawmakers voted down a comparable prohibition in four years ago.
France earlier enacted a national ban on traditional names for plant-based foods in 2020, but EU courts ruled it invalid under EU law in 2024.
Business and Consumer Response
Leading German supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, cautioning that changing familiar names would confuse shoppers.
Consumer groups point to surveys showing that most consumers understand these names when items are clearly identified as vegan.
"Almost 70% of consumers recognize these names as long as products are clearly labelled plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This legislative measure next faces consideration by EU member states, where it must secure broad approval to be enacted.
Given the mixed opinions within both politicians and the general population, the future of this initiative is still uncertain.