European Lawmakers Vote to Prohibit Meat-Based Names for Plant-Based Products

In a significant vote this week, MEPs voted by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms including "steak" and "sausage" exclusively for animal-derived foods.

The Decision Means

Should the measure is implemented, common vegetarian products like plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may need to change their names throughout EU markets.

However, before the ban to be enforced, it must receive approval from most of the EU's 27 countries, which remains far from certain.

The Debate Behind the Measure

Supporters contend that customers require transparent information and while traditional names should only describe items from animals.

"A steak or a sausage are goods from animal farming: not from synthetic production or vegetable sources," stated French lawmaker the proposal's author.

Critics, including Green MEPs, described the decision unnecessary restriction.

"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage don't mislead shoppers, just certain lawmakers," said Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.

Previous Attempts and Legal Context

The isn't the first attempt to control such terminology. EU lawmakers rejected a similar ban in 2020.

The French government earlier introduced a domestic ban on meat terms for plant-based foods in recent years, but the European court of justice ruled it invalid under European legislation in 2024.

Industry and Public Reaction

Leading Germany's retailers such as Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, warning that altering familiar terms would confuse consumers.

Advocacy organizations point to research indicating that the majority of consumers understand these names as long as items are properly identified as vegan.

"Almost 70% of shoppers recognize the terminology provided items are explicitly marked vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC.

What Comes Next

This proposal now requires consideration by EU member states, and it must secure broad support to become law.

Given the divided views within various lawmakers and the general population, the future of the proposal is still unclear.