 "No more veggie 'steaks'? EU moves to strip meat terms from plant-based foods")
The European Parliament voted on Wednesday to ban the use of meat-related terms such as “burger” and “steak” for marketing plant-based products, marking a win for farmers who had raised objections.
The proposal passed with 355 votes in favour and 247 against during a plenary session in Strasbourg. However, it must still go through negotiations with the EU’s 27 member states before it can become law.
A growing shift toward vegetarian and vegan diets—driven by concerns over animal welfare and emissions from livestock farming—has contributed to the increased popularity of plant-based alternatives, often promoted as healthier than traditional meat.
According to an AFP report, many European livestock farmers and their political advocates view plant-based foods that imitate traditional meat products as an added danger to their already struggling sector.
Celine Imart, the right-wing French lawmaker who introduced the amendment, told AFP before the vote that the situation should be addressed directly, stating, “Let’s call a spade a spade."
Imart, who is also a cereal farmer, acknowledged everyone’s right to consume alternative proteins—such as those made from plants, labs, tofu, or insect flour—but insisted that labelling these products as ‘meat’ is deceptive to consumers.
The new rule aims to ban words like “sausage” and “burger” from being used on non-meat, plant-based foods.
The plan was opposed by left-leaning politicians and food businesses, particularly in Germany. Even the head of the rule’s sponsor’s own political group said it wasn’t important.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsHowever, the proposal, which had strong backing from the French meat industry, was approved by a clear majority anyway.
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