EU bans 'Seitan-Steak' and 'Veggie-Hühnchen' labels, but 'Veggie-Burger' survives final vote
EU member states gave final approval to new labelling rules that ban plant-based products from using names referring to specific animal species or meat cuts, while common terms like 'Veggie-Burger' and 'Tofu-Schnitzel' remain allowed.
Final decision after months of debate
EU governments, meeting in Luxembourg, formally adopted the regulation on 29 June, following a compromise with the European Parliament. The text defines meat as 'edible parts of animals' and prohibits plant-based or cell-cultured products from using names tied to animal species or specific cuts. The ban covers terms such as poultry, beef, ribs, shoulder, liver, cutlet and bacon.
The move waters down an earlier European Parliament proposal from 2025 that would have outlawed even generic terms like 'Tofu-Wurst', 'Soja-Schnitzel' and 'Veggie-Burger'. Under the final rules, those common descriptors stay permitted.
- European Parliament proposes banning terms like 'Tofu-Wurst' and 'Veggie-Burger'.
- EU Council adopts final regulation, allowing 'Veggie-Burger' but banning species and cut names.
- Three-year transition ends; new labelling rules become enforceable.
What changes and what stays
Manufacturers will no longer be able to sell 'Seitan-Steak', 'vegan chicken' or 'Tofu-Kotelett'. However, products already on shelves can be sold through, and companies have a three-year transition window to adapt their marketing strategies before enforcement begins.
The German government abstained in the final vote. Food and agriculture minister Alois Rainer had repeatedly criticised even the softened list, arguing it creates unnecessary burden.
Consumers are smart and responsible.
It means unnecessary extra work for the industry.
