EU Delays Decision on Banning Terms Like ‘Veggie-Burger’ for Plant-Based Products
EU Delays Decision on Banning Terms Like ‘Veggie-Burger’ for Plant-Based Products
The European Union has postponed a decision regarding whether plant-based products can continue to use names traditionally associated with meat, such as “Veggie-Burger,” “Tofu-Wurst,” or “Soja-Schnitzel.” Negotiations between EU member states and the European Parliament failed to reach a consensus on new labeling rules, deferring the matter to 2026. The proposed regulations would restrict terms like “steak,” “schnitzel,” “burger,” and “wurst” exclusively to animal products, aiming to protect consumers and farmers from confusion. However, the proposal faces opposition, particularly from German representatives who argue it would lead to significant economic costs and bureaucracy. Several major companies, including Aldi Süd, Lidl, Burger King, and Beyond Meat, have expressed concerns that the ban would harm marketing and sales of plant-based products in a large market like Germany. The debate echoes a 2020 decision allowing meat alternative products to keep traditional names, except for dairy substitutes, which are already restricted from using terms like “milk.” Discussions will resume next year.