02 Mar 2026
European Parliament Vote to Ban Meat-Related Terms for Plant-Based Products
In a major vote on Wednesday, European Parliament members decided 355 to 247 to restrict product terms such as "steak" and "sausage" solely for animal-derived foods.
The Decision Signifies
If the measure becomes law, popular vegetarian items like veggie burgers, soy steak, and vegetable schnitzel could have to change their names across European Union countries.
However, before the restriction to take effect, it must receive approval from most of the EU's 27 countries, something that is uncertain.
The Arguments Surrounding the Proposal
Supporters argue that customers need clear labeling and while traditional names must only refer to items from livestock.
"A steak or a sausage are products from our livestock: not laboratory art nor plant products," said France's MEP the proposal's author.
Opponents, including environmental lawmakers, described the decision unnecessary restriction.
"Veggie burgers, wheat schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse consumers, only rightwing politicians," declared Austria's lawmaker Thomas Waitz.
Previous Attempts and Judicial Context
The marks another effort to regulate these names. The European parliament voted down a comparable ban in four years ago.
The French government earlier introduced a national restriction on traditional names for plant-based foods in recent years, but EU courts determined it illegal under EU law in 2024.
Industry and Consumer Response
Leading German retailers such as Aldi and Lidl oppose the proposal, cautioning that changing familiar names would confuse shoppers.
Consumer groups point to research indicating that the majority of consumers understand product labels as long as items are properly identified as vegan.
"Almost seventy percent of consumers understand these names as long as products are clearly labelled plant-based," said Irina Popescu, a food policy officer at BEUC.
What Comes Next
The legislative measure next faces consideration by European governments, where it needs to secure broad support to become law.
Given the mixed opinions within both lawmakers and the public, the outcome of the proposal remains uncertain.