Europe’s culture wars have found a new battleground; the dinner table. With 355 votes in favour and 247 against, the European Parliament on Wednesday approved a proposal stipulating that terms such as “steak”, “burger” and “sausage” can only be used for products containing meat.
The amendment, tabled by French MEP Céline Imart, aims to “protect farmers” and “ensure transparency for consumers.”
“A steak, a fillet and a sausage come from our animals, not from a laboratory or a plant,” Imart said after the vote.
However, the measure still requires approval by a majority of the EU’s 27 member states, a step far from certain amid strong divisions across the bloc.
A win for conservatives, a setback for the Greens
The vote marks a symbolic victory for conservatives, who gained influence after the 2024 European elections, but has provoked sharp criticism from Green MEPs and advocates of plant-based foods.
“Veggie burgers don’t confuse anyone, except right-wing politicians,” quipped Green MEP Thomas Waitz, accusing the Parliament of “protecting no one’s income, least of all farmers’.”
Even within the European People’s Party (EPP), opinions were split. EPP leader Manfred Weber remarked, “Consumers aren’t fools when they buy their food.”
“Trust consumers’ intelligence”
Major supermarket chains such as Aldi and Lidl have voiced opposition, warning that the ban will “confuse rather than protect” consumers. Germany -Europe’s largest market for plant-based foods- has also criticised the move, arguing it will harm a growing and sustainable sector.
A survey by the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) found that 70% of Europeans clearly understand terms such as “veggie burger” or “tofu sausage” as long as labels are transparent.
“Politicians should focus on clear labelling, not hotdog populism,” joked Austrian MEP Anna Storch.
Farmers vs. food innovators
Agricultural unions, especially in France, have rallied behind the proposal.
“Without clear boundaries, consumers risk being misled,” said Jean-François Guihard of the French meat industry group Interbev.
Plant-based food companies, on the other hand, warn the ban could stifle one of Europe’s fastest-growing markets, one tied to sustainability and environmental goals.
The proposal now moves to the EU Council, where member states will decide whether to adopt it. If approved, labels such as “veggie burger”, “soy sausage” or “cauliflower steak” will have to be renamed.
Until then, the veggie burger stays firmly on the menu, along with Europe’s latest heated debate over who gets to own the language of food.
Source: Lifo.gr
