The European Parliament has voted to reserve meat-related names like “burger,” “sausage,” “steak,” and “escalope” for products that contain meat, and to define meat as the “edible parts of animals,” excluding cell-cultured (lab-grown) products from using these terms. The amendment passed 355–247 and now goes to negotiations with EU governments and the European Commission; it is not law yet.
What was decided
Lawmakers approved a tighter legal definition of “meat” and a rule that common meat names be used only for animal-based products. Proposed changes would also prevent cell-cultured meat from using meat terms.
The vote is part of a broader package intended to strengthen farmers’ positions in the food supply chain. A 2020 attempt to restrict plant-based names failed; the new Parliament’s makeup shifted right in 2024.
Why supporters say it’s needed
Backers, including farm unions and some conservative MEPs, argue that labels should be literal and that meat-style names on vegetarian items confuse consumers and undercut livestock producers. Committee chair Céline Imart said the move supports clarity and fairness for farmers.
Photo Credits: LikeMeat/Unsplash
Why critics oppose it
Green, liberal and centrist politicians, plus parts of the retail sector, say consumers aren’t confused by “veggie burger” when it’s clearly marked vegetarian. They warn that a ban would force costly rebranding and burden a growing, lower-impact food sector. Consumer groups have previously found shoppers comfortable with plant-based names when the label states “vegetarian” or “vegan.”
How this fits with other EU rules
The EU already reserves dairy terms such as “milk” and “cheese” for animal-derived products (e.g., “oat drink” is required instead of “oat milk”). The new Parliament vote seeks a similar approach for meat terms. However, any ban must still survive trilogue talks and win support from a majority of member states.
If adopted, plant-based brands would need to drop meat-style words or find new descriptors (e.g., “plant patties,” “vegetarian slices”). For cell-cultured producers, the proposal would bar meat terms entirely, even if the product is grown from animal cells. Enforcement details and transition timelines would be set in the final law.
This is only a first step. Parliament’s position now enters negotiations with the Council and Commission, where the scope (what names, what products, how fast) could change or soften. A final deal, if reached, would then need a formal vote before taking effect across the EU. Until then, current national and EU rules still apply.
