EU Lawmakers Decide to Ban Meat-Based Names for Vegetarian Products
In a significant decision this week, European Parliament members decided by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms such as "burger" and "schnitzel" exclusively for animal-derived foods.
The Vote Means
If the measure is implemented, common plant-based products such as veggie burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel may have to change their names across EU countries.
Nevertheless, for the restriction to take effect, it needs to gain support from a majority of the EU's 27 member states, which is uncertain.
The Arguments Surrounding the Measure
Proponents argue that customers need clear information and while meat terms must only refer to products derived from livestock.
"An escalope or a sausage represent goods from our livestock: not from laboratory art nor vegetable sources," stated France's MEP Céline Imart.
Critics, including environmental lawmakers, described the decision unnecessary restriction.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse shoppers, only rightwing politicians," declared Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Legal Context
The isn't the first attempt to regulate such names. EU lawmakers voted down a similar prohibition in four years ago.
France earlier introduced a national restriction on traditional names for vegetarian products in recent years, but the European court of justice determined it invalid under European legislation in this year.
Business and Public Reaction
Leading Germany's retailers including Aldi and Lidl object to the measure, cautioning that changing familiar terms would mislead consumers.
Consumer groups point to research indicating that the majority of shoppers understand product labels as long as products are properly identified as vegetarian.
"Nearly seventy percent of shoppers recognize these names as long as products are clearly marked vegan or vegetarian," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC.
What Following the Vote
The legislative measure now faces review by EU member states, and it must obtain majority approval to be enacted.
Given the mixed views within both lawmakers and the public, the outcome of this initiative remains unclear.
