EU Parliament Votes to Ban Meat Terms on Vegan Products
The EU Parliament's agriculture committee has voted in favour of a controversial ban on using meat terms for plant-based products. The proposal, brought by French lawmaker Céline Imart, seeks to prohibit labels like 'beef', 'bacon', and 'burger' on vegan alternatives.
The EU Parliament voted 355 in favour, 247 against, and 30 abstentions. The ban includes terms such as 'steak', 'sausage', and 'egg white'. However, the ECJ's advocate-general previously expressed concerns that such a ban could cause consumer confusion. MEP Anna Strolenberg criticised the proposal, stating it's a waste of time and weakens farmers' transition to plant-based products.
Manufacturers and consumer advocates, including consumer organisations and supermarkets, oppose the ban. They argue it 'dumb downs' consumers and that using meat terms is clear and helpful. A survey by the European Consumer Organisation found that 80% of people support plant-based meat using meat terms.
The proposal will now proceed to interinstitutional negotiations between the EU Commission, Council, and Parliament. Despite opposition, the ban could still become reality, potentially reshaping how plant-based products are labelled across the EU.
