Anna Hartz
EU Votes to Limit Use of Steak, Burger, and Sausage to Real Meat
Food labels have become a new battleground in Europe’s debate over meat and plant-based diets.
For years, companies selling vegan and vegetarian food have used names like “veggie burger” or “soy sausage” to describe their products. That may soon change.
A Move to Make Food Labeling Clearer
The European Parliament has voted to ban the use of meat-related terms for plant-based foods, according to El Economista.
Words such as steak, schnitzel, sausage, and hamburger would be allowed only for products that contain real meat.
Lawmakers say the move will help protect farmers and make food labeling clearer.
532 Votes in Favor
The decision passed with 532 votes in favor, 78 against, and 25 abstentions. The new rule defines meat as the “edible parts of animals.”
It also says that terms used for meat products must exclude lab-grown or cell-cultured foods.
Talks between the European Parliament and EU member states will now begin to finalize the law. Each country will have to confirm the proposal through its own council.
More Changes Approved
Other changes were also approved. Written contracts for agricultural products will become mandatory, except for deals under €4,000.
Lawmakers also called for tighter control over the use of the words “fair” and “equitable” on food labels. They said those terms should only apply to products that support rural communities and help farmers.
Imported Foods and Pesticides
The new law will also require that imported food meets the same pesticide limits as EU-produced goods. In public food contracts, EU countries must give priority to local and seasonal products.
The debate over food labels is not new. In 2020, the EU allowed plant-based foods to keep names like burger or sausage but banned the term “soy milk.” Only dairy products from animals could be labeled as milk or cheese.
The Consumer in Focus
The European meat industry has welcomed the new decision. Spain’s National Meat Industry Association said the rule protects traditional food names and prevents confusion for consumers.
The group said plant-based foods may look or taste like meat but are not nutritionally the same.
For now, the proposal marks another chapter in Europe’s effort to balance tradition, clarity, and changing food habits.
This article is made and published by Anna Hartz, which may have used AI in the preparation
