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During a major vote this week, MEPs voted by a margin of 355-247 to restrict product terms including "burger" and "schnitzel" solely for animal-derived foods.

The Decision Means

If this proposal becomes law, common plant-based products like veggie burgers, tofu steak, and cauliflower schnitzel could have to change their names across EU markets.

Nevertheless, before the restriction to take effect, it needs to receive approval from most of the EU's 27 countries, which is far from certain.

Key Arguments Behind the Measure

Supporters contend that customers require clear labeling and that traditional names should only refer to products from livestock.

"A steak and sausages are products from our livestock: not laboratory art nor plant products," said French MEP Céline Imart.

Critics, including Green MEPs, called the move pointless restriction.

"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and soy sausage do not confuse consumers, just rightwing politicians," declared Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz.

Past Efforts and Legal Context

The marks another attempt to control these terminology. EU lawmakers voted down a comparable ban in 2020.

France previously introduced a domestic ban on meat terms for vegetarian products in recent years, but EU courts determined it illegal under EU law in 2024.

Business and Consumer Response

Leading Germany's retailers such as Aldi and Lidl object to the proposal, warning that altering familiar terms would mislead consumers.

Consumer groups point to research indicating that the majority of consumers comprehend these names when items are clearly identified as vegan.

"Almost 70% of consumers recognize the terminology as long as items are explicitly labelled plant-based," noted Irina Popescu, a consumer expert at BEUC.

What Next

The legislative measure now faces review by EU member states, and it needs to obtain broad support to be enacted.

Given the divided views among both lawmakers and the public, the outcome of this initiative remains unclear.