EU countries and lawmakers negotiate whether to restrict meat labels like ‘burger’ and ‘sausage’ to actual meat products, sparking a consumer and industry debate.
BRUSSELS: EU member states and lawmakers will negotiate on Wednesday over proposals to restrict labels like ‘burger’ and ‘sausage’ to products containing meat.
The initiative aims to address concerns from livestock farmers who view plant-based alternatives as misleading and a threat to their sector.
The European Parliament backed the labelling proposal in October as part of a broader package of new farmer protection measures.
Some countries appear hesitant, and officials suggest multiple negotiation rounds may be needed for an agreement.
Food retailers in Germany, Europe’s largest market for plant-based alternatives, oppose the move alongside environmentalists and consumer advocates.
High-profile vegetarian Paul McCartney co-signed a letter to the EU executive arguing against the restrictions.
“We urge you not to adopt these restrictions, as we are deeply concerned about the significant global impact they could have,” the letter stated.
It argued existing legislation already protects consumers who understand current naming conventions.
French livestock industry group Interbev countered, claiming such labelling “confuses consumers and undermines recognition” in meat products.
EU consumption of plant-based meat alternatives has grown five-fold since 2011, according to consumer group BEUC.
Concerns over animal welfare, livestock greenhouse gas emissions, and health have fuelled this boom.
This is not the first EU push to tighten labelling rules for such products.
France passed a similar label ban in 2024 to appease farmers, but it was overturned in January following an EU top court ruling.
European lawmakers also rejected a similar proposal in 2020.
The political balance shifted after the 2024 European elections, which saw gains by right-wing parties with close farm sector ties.
Even among these groups, consensus is unclear, with centre-right leader Manfred Weber calling the proposal “not a priority at all”.
