🔗 Share this article European Parliament Vote to Prohibit Meat-Related Terms for Vegetarian Foods During a significant decision this week, European Parliament members voted by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms including "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for animal-derived foods. What the Vote Signifies Should the measure becomes law, popular vegetarian products such as veggie burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel may need to be renamed throughout European Union markets. Nevertheless, before the ban to take effect, it needs to gain approval from a majority of the 27 EU member states, which remains uncertain. The Debate Surrounding the Proposal Supporters contend that consumers need clear labeling and while meat terms must only refer to products from animals. "A steak or a sausage are products from our livestock: not from laboratory art or vegetable sources," stated France's lawmaker Céline Imart. Opponents, including Green MEPs, called the decision populist maneuvering. "Plant-based burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage don't mislead shoppers, just rightwing politicians," said Austria's Green MEP Thomas Waitz. Past Attempts and Judicial Context This marks another effort to control such names. EU lawmakers voted down a similar prohibition in 2020. The French government earlier introduced a national ban on traditional names for vegetarian products in 2020, but the European court of justice determined it illegal under EU law in this year. Business and Consumer Reaction Leading Germany's supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the measure, cautioning that changing established terms would mislead consumers. Advocacy organizations point to research indicating that the majority of consumers understand these names as long as items are clearly marked as vegan. "Almost 70% of consumers recognize the terminology as long as products are explicitly marked plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC. What Following the Vote This legislative measure next requires consideration by EU member states, and it must obtain broad support to be enacted. Considering the mixed views within both politicians and the general population, the outcome of this initiative is still uncertain.