"EU countries and lawmakers are set to wrangle on Wednesday over whether to restrict the use of terms such as "veggie burger" and plant-based "sausages." It's a long-running debate, with livestock farmers saying such language has confused consumers and undermined their sector. Why are veggie sausages controversial? The European Parliament reignited the controversy in October when it backed a proposal to reserve labels including steak, sausage and hamburger for foods containing meat."
"The measure was introduced by French conservative lawmaker Celine Imart, who argued it would prevent confusion with traditional meat products. Imart stressed that the goal was not to prohibit plant-based foods themselves but to defend the "true meaning" of longstanding culinary terms. Member states now must negotiate with Parliament, though several notably Germany, Europe's largest market for vegetarian and vegan products have expressed reservations."
"German discount chains Lidl and Aldi oppose the ban, warning that sales could fall because consumers are already familiar with existing names. Do people confuse plant-based products with meat? The controversy has drawn unexpected support from abroad. Former Beatles star Paul McCartney joined a group of British lawmakers in urging the EU to maintain the current rules. While the United Kingdom is no longer an EU member, the group argued that the bloc's decisions still affect wider markets."
EU countries and lawmakers will negotiate whether to restrict the use of terms such as 'veggie burger' and plant-based 'sausages.' The European Parliament backed a proposal to reserve labels including steak, sausage and hamburger for foods containing meat. Supporters say the rule would protect the value of traditional meat products and prevent consumer confusion. French lawmaker Celine Imart framed the aim as defending the 'true meaning' of longstanding culinary terms rather than banning plant-based foods. Several member states, notably Germany, have expressed reservations, and some retailers warn a ban could hurt sales. Meat industry groups claim plant-based labels blur category lines.
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