In 'Brüssel', representatives of the European Parliament and the 27 EU member states have agreed on a new rule for naming meat substitute products. Accordingly, vegetarian and vegan foods may continue to be marketed under common names such as 'Veggie-Burger', 'Soja-Würstchen' (Soy sausage), or 'Seitan-Schnitzel' (Seitan cutlet). A far-reaching ban on these terms, originally requested by the Parliament, is thus off the table for now.
However, the compromise reached includes restrictions for terms that have a direct reference to animals, animal species, or specific cuts of meat. Names like 'Veggie-Hühnchen' (Veggie chicken), 'Tofu-Rippchen' (Tofu ribs), or 'Rinderhüfte aus Seitan' (Beef sirloin from Seitan) will be prohibited in the future. The goal of this regulation is to increase transparency for consumers and minimize the risk of confusion with real meat products. Furthermore, the work of farmers should be honored by protecting specific meat terms.
The agreement was reached during negotiations on a legislative package to strengthen the position of farmers in the food chain. While consumer advocates and parts of the food industry welcomed the retention of common names, industry representatives criticized the bans on more specific names. They warn of high costs for redesigning packaging and marketing materials. The agreement reached is expected to be valid until the end of 2027, when a review of the rules is due as part of a reform of the 'Gemeinsame Agrarpolitik' (Common Agricultural Policy).
