European Lawmakers Decide to Prohibit Meat-Based Terms for Vegetarian Products
During a significant decision on Wednesday, European Parliament members decided by a margin of 355-247 to reserve food names such as "burger" and "schnitzel" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
The Decision Means
If the measure is implemented, popular vegetarian items such as veggie burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may have to be renamed throughout EU markets.
However, before the restriction to take effect, it must receive support from a majority of the 27 EU member states, which remains uncertain.
Key Arguments Surrounding the Measure
Supporters contend that consumers require clear labeling and while meat terms must only describe products derived from animals.
"A steak or a sausage represent products from our livestock: not from laboratory art or vegetable sources," said France's MEP the proposal's author.
Opponents, including Green MEPs, called the decision pointless restriction.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse consumers, only rightwing politicians," said Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Judicial Background
The isn't the first effort to regulate such names. EU lawmakers rejected a similar ban in four years ago.
The French government earlier introduced a national restriction on meat terms for vegetarian products in recent years, but the European court of justice determined it illegal under EU law in this year.
Industry and Consumer Reaction
Major German retailers including Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, warning that changing established terms would confuse shoppers.
Advocacy organizations cite research indicating that the majority of shoppers comprehend product labels when products are clearly identified as vegetarian.
"Almost 70% of consumers recognize the terminology provided products are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Next
This legislative measure next faces review by European governments, and it needs to secure broad approval to become law.
Given the mixed opinions within various politicians and the public, the future of this initiative is still uncertain.
