Veggie burgers' could be off the menu as MEPs vote to ban plant-based food terms

"Veggie burgers, tofu steak and cauliflower schnitzel will be off the menu if the European parliament gets its way after a vote on food names. MEPs voted on Wednesday by 355 in favour and 247 against to reserve names such as steak, burger and sausage exclusively for products derived from meat, a longstanding demand of farm unions. In order to come into effect, the idea would have to be approved by a majority of the EU's 27 member states, which is far from certain."

"Imart, who is also a cereals farmer in north-west France, said: A steak, an escalope or a sausage are products from our livestock: not laboratory art, nor plant products. There is a need for transparency and clarity for the consumer and recognition for the work of our farmers. She argues the proposal is in line with EU rules, which already ban the use of terms such as milk and yoghurt for non-dairy products."

"Opposition was led by Green MEPs, who decried what they saw as a populist move to rename plant-based foods. Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel and tofu sausage do not confuse consumers, only rightwing politicians, Thomas Waitz, an Austrian Green MEP, said in a statement after the vote. This tactic is a diversion and a pathetic smokescreen. No farmer will earn more money or secure their future with this ban."

The European Parliament voted 355 to 247 to reserve names such as steak, burger and sausage exclusively for products derived from meat. The measure must still be approved by a majority of the EU's 27 member states to take effect. The amendment was drafted by Celine Imart, a cereals farmer, who said meat terms denote livestock products and called for consumer clarity and recognition for farmers. Supporters point to existing EU rules banning the use of milk and yoghurt terms for non-dairy products. Opposition from Green MEPs called the move populist and diversionary, and the EPP is divided.

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