The European Parliament wants to reserve names like 'steak', 'chop', 'sausage', and 'burger' exclusively for products containing real meat, that is, edible parts of animals. This is reported on the European Parliament's website.
Lawmakers voted for the corresponding amendment with 355 votes in favor and 247 against.
"Steak is meat, period. Using these names only for real meat means ensuring honest labeling, protecting farmers, and preserving Europe's culinary traditions," said MEP Celine Imard from the European People's Party (EPP) during the hearings.
This is not a final decision yet, negotiations with member states will begin on October 14. However, even within the EPP itself, there is no unity on this issue, and some MEPs have opposed the ban.
"We should not consider consumers naive. If the package says 'vegan burger' or 'vegetarian sausage,' everyone can decide for themselves whether they want to buy it. I am convinced – and hope – that this discussion will eventually die down," said EPP MEP Peter Liese.
"The 'beef heart' tomato does not contain beef. 'Lady fingers' are not made from ladies' fingers. Let's trust consumers and put an end to this hot-dog populism," said MEP Anna Stürgk.
Previously, the European Union had already defined dairy products such as milk, butter, cream, yogurt, and cheese as "products derived from mammary glands." This means that what could previously be called oat milk is now referred to as oat drink.
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