In a significant decision on Wednesday, MEPs voted by a margin of 355-247 to reserve product terms including "steak" and "schnitzel" solely for animal-derived foods.
What the Decision Means
If this proposal becomes law, popular plant-based products such as plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel could need to change their names throughout European Union countries.
Nevertheless, for the restriction to take effect, it must receive approval from most of the EU's 27 countries, which is uncertain.
The Arguments Behind the Proposal
Proponents argue that consumers require transparent information and while meat terms must only refer to items derived from livestock.
"An escalope and sausages represent goods from our livestock: not from synthetic production or plant products," stated French MEP the proposal's author.
Critics, including Green MEPs, called the decision pointless regulation.
"Plant-based burgers, seitan schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead shoppers, only rightwing politicians," said Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Judicial Context
This isn't the first attempt to control such names. EU lawmakers voted down a similar ban in 2020.
The French government earlier introduced a domestic restriction on traditional names for plant-based foods in 2020, but the European court of justice determined it illegal under EU law in this year.
Industry and Public Response
Major German retailers including Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, cautioning that changing established names would confuse consumers.
Advocacy organizations point to research indicating that the majority of shoppers understand these names when products are clearly identified as vegetarian.
"Nearly 70% of shoppers recognize the terminology provided products are explicitly marked plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC.
What Next
This legislative measure next requires consideration by EU member states, where it needs to obtain majority support to become law.
Considering the divided opinions within various politicians and the public, the future of the proposal is still uncertain.
