Overview
- The vote supports limiting terms such as “Schnitzel”, “Wurst” and “Steak” to animal products, with proponents citing consumer protection and a risk of confusion.
- The final shape of any restriction is uncertain, as the Danish Council Presidency signals hopes for a swift deal but a majority for a naming ban is unclear.
- A coalition including Aldi Süd, Lidl, Burger King, Beyond Meat and Rügenwalder Mühle argues familiar labels aid choice and warns of relabeling costs estimated in the mid–single-digit millions.
- Consumer groups and several politicians call the move unnecessary or lobby-driven, while the meat industry association says protected terminology helps distinguish products.
- Germany has not taken a firm position; a YouGov survey reports about 50% favor reserving meat terms for animal products and 28% oppose the restriction.