On Thursday in Brussels, a significant compromise was reached regarding the so-called naming dispute over vegetarian food. Negotiators from the European Parliament and the member states agreed that common names like 'veggie burger,' 'vegetarian bratwurst,' or 'tofu schnitzel' will continue to be allowed in the future. A complete ban on these terms, which was originally called for by the Agriculture Committee of the EU Parliament, is now off the table.
However, the agreement introduces stricter rules for products that directly refer to animal species or specific pieces of meat, known as 'cuts.' For instance, names like 'vegan bacon,' 'tofu ribs,' 'veggie chicken,' or 'beef-style' may no longer be used in the future. This regulation largely follows an initial proposal from the EU Commission, aiming to prevent confusion with actual meat products and to strengthen the protection of terms that refer to animals.
Supporters of stricter rules, including the leading French Member of the European Parliament, C éline Imart, argued that clear names are necessary to avoid misleading consumers and to protect traditional agriculture. Critics, including some from Germany, had warned against unnecessary bureaucracy and high switching costs for the food industry. The compromise now reached must still be formally confirmed by the European Parliament and the EU member states before it can take effect.
