Overview

• Lawmakers voted 355–247 to reserve names such as burger, sausage, steak and escalope for products that contain meat.
• The restriction is introduced as an amendment to a broader bill intended to strengthen farmers’ negotiating power in the food supply chain.
• French MEP Céline Imart, the sponsor, called the outcome a victory for farmers, while Greens and some EPP members labeled the proposal unnecessary.
• Retailers and consumer advocates, including Aldi, Lidl and BEUC, warned of reduced clarity for shoppers, citing data that about 70% understand vegan labels when clearly marked.
• A 2024 French attempt to ban similar terms was overturned after an EU court ruling, signaling legal risks as member states now assess the text.