The European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, saw MEPs vote 355 to 247 in favor of a right-wing proposal to prohibit terms such as “vegetable steak” in order to prevent confusion with meat items.
However, the discussion remains ongoing as the proposal must still be negotiated with the 27 EU member states.
Céline Imart, the right-wing MEP who sponsored the adopted proposal, stated, “This is about ensuring transparency and clarity for consumers and acknowledging our farmers’ efforts.”
She emphasized that while there is “absolutely no intention to ban plant-based alternatives, I aim to highlight the true meanings of these terms,” said the French lawmaker.
In contrast, consumer organizations voiced their “disappointment.”
Irina Popescu, a representative from the European Consumer Union (BEUC), noted that “almost 70% of European consumers recognize these terms as long as the products are clearly labeled as vegan or vegetarian.”
BEUC also reported that the consumption of vegetarian products mimicking meat has increased fivefold since 2011. (October 8, 2025)
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