Overview
- The proposal, backed by the European Parliament in October, would reserve terms like burger, sausage and steak for foods containing meat, restricting labels such as “veggie burger” and “vegan sausage.”
- Member states and Parliament negotiators are meeting this week, with officials indicating more rounds may be needed because several countries remain hesitant.
- German retailers and advocacy groups oppose the restrictions, while Paul McCartney and a group of UK MPs urged Brussels to keep current naming conventions, arguing consumers are not confused.
- Livestock producers and groups such as France’s Interbev support tighter definitions, saying plant‑based branding blurs categories, though EPP leader Manfred Weber has called the measure “not a priority.”
- A French national ban enacted in 2024 was overturned following an EU court ruling, producers warn of relabeling costs, and BEUC data show EU consumption of plant‑based meat alternatives has grown five‑fold since 2011.