EU Lawmakers Vote to Reserve Meaty Names for Meat Products: A Battle Over Transparency and Clarity
In a contentious vote, European Union lawmakers have pushed forward a proposal to reserve names like "steak," "burger," and "sausage" exclusively for products derived from meat. The move has sparked heated debate among MEPs, with some arguing that it's essential for transparency and clarity in the food supply chain, while others see it as a populist attempt to rename plant-based foods.
The vote, which took place on Wednesday, saw 355 lawmakers in favor of the proposal against 247 who opposed it. The measure now needs to be approved by a majority of the EU's 27 member states before it can come into effect.
At the heart of this controversy is Celine Imart, a French centre-right MEP and cereal farmer from north-west France. Imart, who drafted the amendment to legislation aimed at strengthening farmers' positions in the food supply chain, believes that names like "steak" and "sausage" should only be used for products derived from livestock.
"A steak is not a laboratory art nor a plant product," Imart said in an interview. "There's a need for transparency and clarity for the consumer and recognition for the work of our farmers."
Imart's proposal has been met with fierce resistance from Green MEPs, who argue that it's a misguided attempt to rename plant-based foods. Thomas Waitz, an Austrian Green MEP, dismissed the move as a populist tactic.
"Veggie burgers, seitan schnitzel, and tofu sausage do not confuse consumers," Waitz said. "Only right-wing politicians do."
The debate surrounding this proposal is complex and multifaceted. On one hand, proponents argue that it's essential for transparency and clarity in the food supply chain. They point out that EU rules already ban the use of terms like "milk" and "yoghurt" for non-dairy products.
On the other hand, opponents see this move as an attempt to restrict consumer choice and stifle innovation in the plant-based food industry. They argue that names like "burger" or "sausage" are generic terms that should be available for use by all producers, regardless of whether they're derived from meat or plants.
This is not the first time that EU lawmakers have grappled with this issue. In 2020, a similar proposal to ban meaty names for plant-based products was rejected by the European parliament. However, the recent shift in the parliament's composition has brought in more lawmakers who are sympathetic to farmers' concerns.
The outcome of this vote is far from certain, and it remains to be seen whether the proposal will gain approval from a majority of EU member states. If it does, it could have significant implications for the plant-based food industry and consumers across Europe.
As one MEP noted, "This is not just about names; it's about the future of our food system."
*Based on reporting by Science.*
