🔗 Share this article European Lawmakers Vote to Prohibit Meat-Based Names for Vegetarian Products During a significant decision on Wednesday, MEPs voted by a margin of 355-247 to restrict food names such as "steak" and "sausage" exclusively for animal-derived foods. The Decision Signifies Should this proposal is implemented, common vegetarian products such as plant-based burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could need to be renamed throughout EU countries. However, before the ban to take effect, it must receive approval from a majority of the EU's 27 member states, which is uncertain. Key Debate Behind the Measure Proponents contend that customers require clear information and while meat terms must only describe products derived from livestock. "An escalope and sausages represent goods from animal farming: not from laboratory art or vegetable sources," stated French MEP the proposal's author. Opponents, led by environmental lawmakers, called the move pointless regulation. "Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse consumers, just rightwing politicians," declared Austrian lawmaker Thomas Waitz. Previous Attempts and Judicial Background This isn't the first effort to control such terminology. The European parliament voted down a similar ban in 2020. France earlier enacted a domestic restriction on traditional names for vegetarian products in 2020, but EU courts ruled it illegal under European legislation in this year. Business and Public Reaction Major German supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, warning that changing established names would confuse consumers. Consumer groups point to surveys showing that most consumers understand these names as long as items are clearly identified as vegan. "Almost 70% of consumers recognize the terminology provided products are explicitly marked vegan or vegetarian," said Irina Popescu, a consumer officer at BEUC. What Next The legislative measure next requires consideration by European governments, and it must secure majority support to become law. Considering the mixed opinions among various politicians and the public, the future of this initiative remains unclear.