In a major vote this week, MEPs voted by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms such as "burger" and "schnitzel" exclusively for meat products.
The Vote Means
If the measure becomes law, popular vegetarian items such as veggie burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel may have to be renamed across EU markets.
However, before the restriction to be enforced, it needs to receive approval from a majority of the 27 EU countries, something that is uncertain.
Key Debate Surrounding the Proposal
Supporters argue that consumers require clear information and while meat terms should only refer to items from livestock.
"An escalope and sausages represent goods from our livestock: not synthetic production nor vegetable sources," stated France's lawmaker Céline Imart.
Critics, including Green MEPs, called the move pointless regulation.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead consumers, only certain lawmakers," said Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Previous Efforts and Legal Context
This marks another attempt to control these names. EU lawmakers rejected a similar ban in 2020.
The French government earlier enacted a national ban on traditional names for vegetarian products in 2020, but EU courts determined it illegal under EU law in 2024.
Business and Public Reaction
Major German supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, warning that altering established terms would confuse shoppers.
Advocacy organizations point to surveys showing that most shoppers comprehend these names when items are properly identified as vegetarian.
"Almost seventy percent of consumers understand the terminology provided items are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Following the Vote
The proposal now faces consideration by European governments, where it needs to obtain majority support to become law.
Considering the mixed views within various politicians and the general population, the outcome of this initiative is still unclear.
