European Parliament Vote to Ban Meat-Related Names for Vegetarian Foods

In a significant decision on Wednesday, MEPs decided by a margin of 355-247 to restrict food names including "burger" and "schnitzel" exclusively for meat products.

The Decision Signifies

If the measure is implemented, common vegetarian products such as veggie burgers, tofu steak, and vegetable schnitzel may have to be renamed across EU markets.

However, for the restriction to take effect, it must receive support from most of the 27 EU member states, which is uncertain.

Key Debate Surrounding the Proposal

Supporters argue that consumers need transparent information and while meat terms must exclusively refer to products derived from animals.

"An escalope and sausages are goods from our livestock: not synthetic production or vegetable sources," said France's MEP Céline Imart.

Opponents, led by Green MEPs, called the move populist maneuvering.

"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse shoppers, only rightwing politicians," said Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.

Past Efforts and Judicial Background

This marks another effort to control such terminology. The European parliament rejected a comparable prohibition in 2020.

The French government previously enacted a national restriction on meat terms for plant-based foods in recent years, but the European court of justice determined it illegal under European legislation in 2024.

Industry and Public Reaction

Major German retailers including Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, warning that changing established terms would confuse consumers.

Advocacy organizations point to surveys showing that most consumers understand these names as long as products are clearly identified as vegan.

"Almost seventy percent of consumers recognize the terminology provided products are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.

What Following the Vote

The proposal now requires review by European governments, where it must obtain majority approval to be enacted.

Given the mixed views within various politicians and the general population, the future of the proposal remains unclear.