Members of the European Parliament (EP) voted on Wednesday, October 8th, to reserve labels such as “burger” and “sausage” for actual meat products, in a win for farmers concerned about competition from plant-based alternatives.
French Les Républicains MEP Céline Imart hailed the decision as a “victory for farmers” and consumer transparency. The measure passed 355 to 247, but still needs approval from the European Union’s 27 member states before becoming law.
Critics—including consumer groups and German retailers—called the vote disappointing, noting that most Europeans understand vegan and vegetarian labels. Plant-based alternatives have grown five-fold in Europe since 2011 due to health, environmental and animal welfare concerns.
The debate mirrors France’s brief 2024 ban on meat-inspired labels, later overturned by an EU-level court. Supporters argue the move aligns with existing Brussels rules on food labeling.
Pig farmers in Europe also face specific threats caused by the growth in pork-free diets, even if the rise of ideologically fuelled veganism may be slowing down.
