EU Parliament to Vote on Plant-Based Naming Ban
The European Parliament is set to vote on a contentious proposal that could ban plant-based products from using terms like 'steak', 'schnitzel', 'hamburger', and 'sausage'. The move aims to protect consumers and farmers, but it's faced opposition from various industries and consumer groups.
The proposal, spearheaded by MEP Celine Imart, seeks to reserve these terms exclusively for animal products. Imart argues that the current labeling can cause confusion among consumers. However, not everyone agrees. A YouGov survey found that half of Germans support the ban, while 28 percent disagree.
The German government has welcomed the idea of a clear distinction between animal-based foods and plant-based alternatives, but it has not yet communicated a specific position on the proposal. Meanwhile, the parliament must now negotiate with EU countries to reach a final agreement, with the Danish presidency of the council hoping to conclude talks soon.
The ban has sparked opposition from several trading companies, manufacturers, and industry associations. Aldi Süd, Lidl, Burger King, Beyond Meat, and Rügenwalder Mühle, among others, argue that the ban could cause economic damage and that terms like 'schnitzel' or 'burger' are descriptive. Interestingly, companies like Nestlé, Unilever, and Danone, along with the plant-based industry association ProVeg, also oppose the ban.
Consumer advocates, such as foodwatch and the Federation of German Consumer Organizations, have joined the opposition, stating that consumers are not confused and that familiar terms offer orientation. Despite this, the proposal aims to protect farmers from plant-based food manufacturers using the reputation of animal products for marketing.
The market for meat substitutes in Germany has grown significantly, with around 121,600 tons produced in 2024, a 4 percent increase from the previous year. As the vote on the potential ban approaches, stakeholders await the outcome, with each side presenting compelling arguments for their stance.
