The European Parliament banned the use of the words “steak” and “burger” for vegetable products
Deputies of the European Parliament voted for the initiative, which provides for the use of the words “steak”, “burger”, “sausage” and other similar names exclusively for meat products. The decision was supported by 355 deputies, while 247 spoke against it. reports The Guardian.
The vote was a victory for French center-right MP Céline Imart, who drafted a corresponding amendment to the legislation to strengthen the position of farmers in the food supply chain.
“Steak, escalope or sausage are the products of our livestock, not laboratory art or plant products. We need transparency and clarity for the consumer, as well as recognition of the work of our farmers,” said Celine Imart.
She reminded that the proposal is consistent with current EU rules, which already prohibit the use of the terms “milk” or “yogurt” for non-dairy products.
In 2020, the European Parliament rejected a similar ban, but after the 2024 elections, the composition of the parliament changed: there were more MPs in favor of closer ties with farmers. Opposition to the initiative was led by representatives of the “Greens” party, who consider it “populist”.
“Vegetarian burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausages are confusing not consumers, but only right-wing MPs. This tactic is a diversionary maneuver and a pathetic smokescreen. No farmer will make more money and secure his future with this ban,” said deputy Thomas Weitz after the vote.
Even within the ranks of the center-right European People’s Party there was no unity on this issue.
The leader of the faction, Manfred Weber, noted before the vote that this topic is not a priority for him, as the deputies have more important tasks:
“Consumers are not stupid when they go to the supermarket and buy products there.”
The largest German retail chains also opposed the decision, fearing that the rejection of familiar names “will make it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions.”
