The European Parliament (EP) has voted to prohibit the use of terms such as “burger” and “steak” for plant-based products. The decision passed with a majority of 355 votes in favor and 247 against, which proponents argue supports livestock farmers concerned about potential impacts on their industry. However, this proposed ban requires approval from both the European Commission and the governments of the 27 EU member states before becoming law.
The plant-based food market has expanded significantly, reflecting a growing trend among consumers toward meat-free diets. Celine Imart, a French Member of Parliament who sponsored the initiative, argues that using meat descriptors for plant-based products could mislead consumers. The proposal also includes restrictions on terms like “egg yolk,” “egg white,” and “escalope,” limiting their usage to products derived from meat. Previously, the EU has categorized dairy items based on their source as “normal mammary secretion,” which is why products like oat milk are labeled as “oat drink” in stores.
Critics, including Greens and liberal lawmakers, have labeled the approved text as ineffective. Some have questioned the focus on labeling issues in light of more pressing global concerns. Environmental advocates contend that the ban could hinder progress toward sustainability. The proposal has garnered pushback from influential figures in Germany, the largest market for plant-based foods in the EU, where major retailers and food producers like Aldi, Lidl, and Burger King expressed concerns in a joint open letter. They argue that the ban on familiar terms might impair consumers’ ability to make informed choices.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz supports the ban, stating, “A sausage is a sausage. Sausage is not vegan,” and the French meat industry has also expressed strong endorsement for the proposal. A similar initiative was proposed in 2020 but ultimately did not pass.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3w5v75deewo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss