European Parliament votes in favor of “veggie burger ban”

Meat names for plant-based alternatives should be banned if the European Parliament has its way. But whether the ban on terms such as veggie burger and soy sausage will actually come into effect is still uncertain.

Patronising

With 355 votes in favor and 247 against, the European Parliament voted on Wednesday to ban meat names for plant-based alternatives. Terms such as “burger,” “steak,” or “sausage” would only be allowed to be used for meat products, while names such as veggie burger or soy sausage would be banned. Plant-based alternatives would have to be called veggie tubes and soy slices, for example.

In 2020, the Parliament voted against a ban on using names that refer to meat for plant-based alternatives. However, it did maintain the ban on using names that refer to dairy products for dairy alternatives. Proponents of a ban point to possible confusion among consumers. Opponents believe that the agricultural lobby is scoring a victory and speak of patronising behaviour.

It is not yet certain whether the ban will actually be implemented. The European Commission is starting negotiations with the member states on this issue.