Overview

• MEPs voted 355–247 (with 30 abstentions reported) to reserve terms such as burger, schnitzel and wurst for animal products.
• The text is not law and now moves into negotiations with the 27 EU countries, leaving the final outcome uncertain.
• Conservative MEP Céline Imart sponsored the amendment, citing consumer transparency, a perceived risk of confusion, and support for farmers.
• Consumer groups like BEUC and Foodwatch and companies including Aldi Süd, Lidl, Burger King, Beyond Meat and Rügenwalder Mühle oppose the move, warning of rebranding costs and reduced clarity for shoppers.
• Implementation faces legal and political hurdles, including a 2024 EU court ruling limiting broad national bans and divisions in Germany despite public backing from Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer.