European Lawmakers Vote to Prohibit Meat-Based Terms for Plant-Based Foods
During a significant decision on Wednesday, MEPs decided 355 to 247 to restrict product terms such as "steak" and "schnitzel" solely for meat products.
The Decision Signifies
If the measure becomes law, popular plant-based products like plant-based burgers, soy steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could have to be renamed across European Union countries.
Nevertheless, before the restriction to be enforced, it needs to receive support from a majority of the EU's 27 member states, which is far from certain.
Key Arguments Surrounding the Proposal
Proponents argue that consumers need clear information and while meat terms must only describe items derived from animals.
"A steak or a sausage are goods from animal farming: not synthetic production or vegetable sources," stated French MEP the proposal's author.
Opponents, led by Green MEPs, described the move unnecessary regulation.
"Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead shoppers, just certain lawmakers," said Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz.
Past Attempts and Judicial Background
The isn't the first attempt to regulate such names. EU lawmakers voted down a similar prohibition in four years ago.
The French government earlier enacted a domestic restriction on traditional names for plant-based foods in 2020, but the European court of justice ruled it invalid under European legislation in this year.
Business and Public Reaction
Major Germany's supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, cautioning that altering familiar names would confuse shoppers.
Consumer groups cite surveys indicating that the majority of consumers comprehend these names when items are properly identified as vegetarian.
"Nearly 70% of consumers understand these names provided products are explicitly marked plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC.
What Comes Following the Vote
The legislative measure now faces review by European governments, where it must secure majority support to become law.
Considering the divided views within both politicians and the public, the outcome of this initiative remains unclear.