Overview

• The EVP-backed amendment would reserve terms such as Steak, Schnitzel, Hamburger and Wurst for products of animal origin.
• Opposition spans consumer groups and major brands, who argue labels already prevent confusion and warn of costly rebranding; Rügenwalder Mühle projects mid single-digit million euros in near-term costs and possible sales hits.
• Germany’s market for meat alternatives is the EU’s largest, with 121,600 tonnes produced in 2024, roughly double since 2019.
• Support and resistance split the center-right: Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer back restrictions, while reports indicate CDU/CSU MEPs and other parties may vote them down.
• Even if approved by Parliament, the measure would then move to negotiations with EU member states before it could become law.