
EU Lawmakers Vote to Ban “Veggie-Burger” Label to Protect Meat Producers

GeokHub
Contributing Writer
European legislators have approved a proposal to ban plant-based food products from using certain meat-derived terms like “veggie-burger,” “sausage,” and “steak,” aiming to ensure those labels are reserved for items containing actual meat. The amendment passed with a vote of 355 to 247 in the European Parliament.
The move is part of a broader regulation meant to strengthen the negotiating power of farmers against dominant players in the food supply chain, who, lawmakers argue, can impose unfair terms on suppliers. Supporters of the amendment believe the ban will protect traditional meat producers’ markets and clarify product labeling for consumers.
Under the proposed change, only products with meat content would be allowed to use terms historically associated with animal-based foods, such as “hamburger” or “sausage.” It follows earlier steps like the EU’s definition of dairy products that restricts poetic or metaphorical usage—e.g., instead of “oat milk,” plant-based drinks are labeled “oat drink.”
Food industry groups and consumer advocates are expected to lobby vigorously during upcoming negotiations among EU governments, the European Parliament, and the European Commission over the text of the final regulation. Critics warn the measure could mislead or confuse consumers and stifle innovation in plant-based food options.