European Lawmakers Decide to Prohibit Meat-Related Terms for Vegetarian Foods

During a significant decision on Wednesday, MEPs decided by a margin of 355-247 to reserve product terms including "steak" and "schnitzel" exclusively for animal-derived foods.

What the Vote Means

If the measure is implemented, popular plant-based items like plant-based burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel may need to be renamed across EU countries.

However, before the restriction to take effect, it must receive approval from a majority of the EU's 27 member states, something that is uncertain.

The Arguments Behind the Proposal

Supporters contend that customers need transparent labeling and that traditional names must exclusively describe products derived from animals.

"A steak and sausages represent goods from animal farming: not laboratory art nor plant products," stated France's lawmaker Céline Imart.

Opponents, including Green MEPs, described the move populist maneuvering.

"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead shoppers, just rightwing politicians," declared Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.

Past Efforts and Judicial Context

This marks another attempt to control these terminology. EU lawmakers voted down a similar prohibition in 2020.

France earlier enacted a national restriction on meat terms for plant-based foods in 2020, but the European court of justice ruled it illegal under European legislation in 2024.

Business and Consumer Reaction

Leading German supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, cautioning that altering established names would confuse consumers.

Consumer groups cite surveys indicating that most shoppers understand product labels as long as products are clearly identified as vegetarian.

"Almost 70% of shoppers understand the terminology as long as products are clearly marked plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC.

What Comes Following the Vote

This legislative measure next requires consideration by EU member states, and it needs to secure broad support to be enacted.

Given the mixed opinions within various lawmakers and the public, the future of this initiative remains unclear.