European Parliament Decide to Ban Meat-Based Terms for Plant-Based Products
During a major decision on Wednesday, MEPs decided by a margin of 355-247 to restrict food names including "steak" and "schnitzel" solely for animal-derived foods.
The Decision Means
Should this proposal becomes law, popular plant-based items like plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to change their names throughout European Union countries.
However, before the ban to take effect, it must gain approval from a majority of the 27 EU countries, something that is uncertain.
Key Arguments Behind the Proposal
Supporters contend that customers require clear labeling and while meat terms must exclusively refer to items derived from animals.
"A steak or a sausage represent products from animal farming: not from synthetic production nor plant products," said French lawmaker the proposal's author.
Opponents, including environmental lawmakers, called the decision pointless regulation.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead consumers, only certain lawmakers," declared Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Legal Background
The isn't the first effort to regulate these terminology. EU lawmakers rejected a similar ban in four years ago.
France previously enacted a domestic ban on traditional names for plant-based foods in 2020, but the European court of justice ruled it illegal under EU law in this year.
Business and Public Reaction
Major Germany's retailers including Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, cautioning that altering established terms would confuse shoppers.
Consumer groups cite surveys showing that the majority of consumers understand these names as long as items are properly marked as vegetarian.
"Nearly seventy percent of consumers recognize the terminology provided products are clearly marked plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
This proposal now faces review by EU member states, and it must obtain broad approval to be enacted.
Given the mixed views within various lawmakers and the public, the outcome of this initiative remains uncertain.
