Advocates of eco-friendly eating and conscious consumption are closely watching as the European Parliament considers a proposal that might restrict the use of terms like “steaks” and “veggie burgers” for plant-based foods. The vote is set for Wednesday.
Growing environmental concerns over livestock emissions have led many Europeans to embrace vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based diets, which advocates promote as healthier alternatives to traditional meat.
However, European livestock farmers and their political allies view these plant-based products as a threat to their already struggling industry.
Celine Imart, a right-wing EU lawmaker, supports a ban on using meat-related terms for non-animal products, stating, “It’s not sausage, and it’s not steak. Let’s call a spade a spade.”
“Everyone has the right to consume alternative proteins—whether from plants, labs, tofu, or insect flour,” Imart adds, noting her experience in both farming and politics. “But labeling it ‘meat’ misleads consumers,” she told AFP.
If the proposal discussed on Tuesday in Strasbourg and voted on Wednesday becomes law, labels like “sausage” and “burger” would be reserved exclusively for meat-containing foods.
The proposal still has hurdles to clear, needing approval from the EU’s 27 member states even if passed by parliament.
France’s livestock and meat industry association, Interbev, supports this initiative. The group’s head, Jean-Francois Guihard, argues that using meat names for plant proteins “weakens recognition of raw, 100 percent natural products.”
“Without clear regulations, consumers could be misled by products disguised as meat,” he warns.
Green EU lawmaker Anna Strolenberg disagrees, claiming a “veggie burger” ban won’t impact farmers and deprives consumers of clarity. Fellow Green lawmaker David Cormand calls the debate a “publicity stunt” and a “distraction” from pressing agricultural issues.
Impact on German Economy
This isn’t the first challenge veggie burgers face from European lawmakers. A similar ban was rejected in 2020, but right-wing parties, with strong farming sector ties, gained ground in the 2024 elections.
Imart asserts the proposal aligns with European regulations that already restrict dairy-related terms like “milk,” “yogurt,” and “cheese.”
“It’s fair to do the same for meat,” she says.
However, Manfred Weber, head of Imart’s EPP party, downplays the proposal as “not a priority.”
Nicolas Schweitzer, CEO of La Vie, which supplies plant-based “bacon” to Burger King, argues that current labeling helps consumers understand product offerings and their nutritional value.
“These products address animal welfare, intensive farming, and climate change, and should be encouraged, not hindered,” he says.
In Germany, major supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi are concerned about the EU proposal, saying banning “familiar terms” complicates consumer choice.
Such a ban “would make it harder for companies to market their products,” they state, supported by industry groups including “Beyond Meat.”
As Europe’s largest market for plant-based alternatives, Germany faces significant economic impacts.
The debate stirs emotions in France, which enacted a similar ban in 2024, only to have it overturned by the EU’s top court the following January.
