March 6, 2026
The European parliament has relaxed its proposed ban on names for meat-replacement products, allowing plant-based products to continue using “burger,” “sausage” and “schnitzel”.
In October, a majority of MEPs voted in favour of prohibiting the use of terms such as “burger” and “sausage” for meat-based products, prompting widespread criticism from meat-free campaign groups.
The measure was proposed by the parliament’s agriculture committee, which said consumers are being confused by the current situation, putting livestock farmers at a disadvantage.
Under the new agreement, products referring to animals or the edible parts of animals, such as” veggie bacon” and “veggie chicken” will not be allowed and need a name change.
That means the Vegetarische Slager (vegetarian butcher) will have to change the name of its vegetarische kipstuckjes (vegetarian chicken nuggets). Director Rutger Rozendaal said the new names for vegetarian products will make” less sense and only increase confusion among consumers”.
He also said the change would lead to “unnecessary costs for producers who are aiming for sustainability”.
Volt MEP Anna Strolenberg said she was happy the veggie burger remains on the menu. “Unfortunately, there a number of words which have ended up on the blacklist. It’s a shame because the EU should support innovative entrepreneurs instead of putting obstacles in their way,” she said.
Cell-cultured products, such as lab-grown meat, will also be banned from using meat-related terms. “It is just gesture politics,” VVD MEP Jeanette Baljeu said. The Netherlands is at the forefront of food technology, she said, and that should be promoted.
The new legislation will come into effect in 2030.
Business Europe Farming Food industry
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