🔗 Share this article European Lawmakers Decide to Ban Meat-Related Names for Plant-Based Products During a major decision this week, European Parliament members decided by a margin of 355-247 to reserve product terms including "burger" and "sausage" exclusively for animal-derived foods. The Vote Means Should the measure becomes law, common plant-based products like veggie burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could need to be renamed throughout EU markets. However, before the ban to take effect, it needs to gain approval from most of the 27 EU countries, which is uncertain. Key Debate Behind the Measure Proponents argue that customers need clear labeling and while traditional names should only refer to items derived from livestock. "An escalope and sausages represent goods from animal farming: not from laboratory art or vegetable sources," stated France's MEP Céline Imart. Critics, led by environmental lawmakers, described the move unnecessary regulation. "Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse shoppers, just rightwing politicians," declared Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz. Past Efforts and Legal Context The marks another attempt to regulate such terminology. EU lawmakers rejected a comparable ban in 2020. The French government earlier enacted a national ban on meat terms for plant-based foods in 2020, but EU courts determined it illegal under EU law in this year. Industry and Public Reaction Major German retailers including Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, cautioning that changing familiar names would confuse shoppers. Consumer groups cite surveys showing that most consumers understand these names when items are clearly identified as vegetarian. "Almost 70% of consumers recognize the terminology provided items are explicitly marked plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC. What Comes Next The legislative measure next requires review by European governments, where it must secure majority support to become law. Considering the mixed views among various politicians and the general population, the future of this initiative remains unclear.