UPDATE: In a decisive move, the European Parliament has just voted to ban the use of meat-related terms for vegetarian products, with a staggering 532 votes in favor and only 78 against. This vote, which occurred on July 11, 2023, redefines “meat” as exclusively the “edible parts of animals,” aiming to protect traditional food labeling.
The implications of this vote are immediate and significant. Consumers will no longer see terms like “steak,” “burger,” or “sausage” associated with plant-based alternatives. This legislation is expected to reshape the market for vegetarian proteins across Europe, impacting both producers and consumers who rely on these labels for clarity.
Céline Imart, a conservative MP from Germany and a former farmer, emphasized the need for clear labeling during the parliamentary debate. “Using meat-related terms for vegetarian products is misleading. Terms should speak for themselves and mean what they mean,” she stated.
Conversely, Anna Stürgkh, an MP from the liberal NEOS party, challenged the notion that consumers are easily misled. She argued, “A beef tomato doesn’t contain any beef … Ladies’ fingers are not made of actual ladies’ fingers. Let’s trust consumers and stop this hot dog populism.”
The proposal will now head to a parliamentary committee for further clarification before returning to the EU executive arm and eventually reaching the 27 member states for final negotiations. This process indicates that while the vote is a critical step, the final outcome may still evolve as discussions continue.
As the food industry reacts to this urgent decision, consumers may face a significant shift in product labeling and availability. The debate over food terminology reflects broader trends in consumer transparency and the evolving landscape of plant-based eating.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops and impacts food labeling across Europe. The urgency of this legislation signals a pivotal moment in how vegetarian products will be marketed and perceived by consumers moving forward.
