No more veggie burgers? EU parliament votes to ban meat names for plant-based foods

The European Parliament has voted to prohibit the use of meat-related terms, such as "burger" or "sausage," for plant-based food products. This decision comes in response to the European livestock industry's concerns about the growing popularity of plant-based alternatives. The new regulation aims to prevent consumers from being misled about the nature of these plant-based products. Supporters argue that it will provide clarity and protect the traditional meat industry. However, critics argue that the move is an attempt to stifle competition and restrict consumer choice. The vote still needs to be approved by the European Council and the European Commission before it can be implemented. If passed, it could have significant implications for the plant-based food industry, which has seen rapid growth in recent years. The debate highlights the ongoing tensions between the traditional livestock sector and the emerging plant-based alternatives.