EU Lawmakers Vote to Ban Meat-Based Names for Plant-Based Foods
In a major vote on Wednesday, MEPs decided by a margin of 355-247 to restrict food names including "burger" and "sausage" solely for meat products.
The Vote Means
Should the measure becomes law, common plant-based items such as plant-based burgers, soy steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could have to be renamed throughout European Union markets.
However, before the restriction to take effect, it must receive support from a majority of the EU's 27 countries, something that remains far from certain.
The Debate Surrounding the Proposal
Proponents argue that customers need clear information and while meat terms must only refer to products from animals.
"An escalope and sausages are products from animal farming: not from synthetic production or vegetable sources," said France's MEP Céline Imart.
Opponents, including environmental lawmakers, described the move populist tactics.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead consumers, only rightwing politicians," declared Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Legal Context
The isn't the first attempt to control such terminology. EU lawmakers rejected a similar prohibition in four years ago.
France previously enacted a domestic ban on traditional names for plant-based foods in recent years, but EU courts ruled it illegal under EU law in this year.
Industry and Consumer Response
Leading Germany's supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, warning that changing familiar names would confuse consumers.
Consumer groups cite research showing that most consumers comprehend these names when products are clearly identified as vegetarian.
"Nearly seventy percent of consumers recognize the terminology provided items are explicitly marked plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The legislative measure now faces review by European governments, and it must obtain broad support to be enacted.
Given the divided opinions among various lawmakers and the general population, the future of this initiative is still unclear.
