European Lawmakers Vote to Ban Meat-Related Terms for Plant-Based Products
In a significant decision on Wednesday, European Parliament members decided by a margin of 355-247 to reserve product terms including "burger" and "sausage" solely for meat products.
The Vote Means
Should the measure becomes law, common vegetarian products such as plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could have to change their names across European Union countries.
However, before the ban to be enforced, it must receive approval from most of the EU's 27 countries, something that remains uncertain.
The Arguments Surrounding the Measure
Proponents contend that customers need transparent labeling and that meat terms must only refer to products derived from livestock.
"An escalope and sausages represent goods from our livestock: not from laboratory art or plant products," stated France's lawmaker Céline Imart.
Critics, including environmental lawmakers, described the decision unnecessary restriction.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse consumers, only certain lawmakers," declared Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Legal Background
The isn't the first effort to control these names. EU lawmakers rejected a similar prohibition in four years ago.
France previously enacted a national restriction on traditional names for plant-based foods in recent years, but EU courts ruled it invalid under European legislation in this year.
Industry and Consumer Reaction
Leading German supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, cautioning that changing established names would mislead shoppers.
Consumer groups point to research indicating that the majority of consumers understand these names when items are properly marked as vegan.
"Nearly seventy percent of shoppers recognize the terminology provided items are clearly labelled vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a food policy expert at BEUC.
What Following the Vote
The proposal next requires consideration by European governments, where it needs to secure broad support to be enacted.
Considering the mixed views within various politicians and the public, the future of the proposal remains unclear.
