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Plant-based diets should be encouraged for several obvious reasons: animal welfare, climate issues, health, ... These rules will curb the consumption of plant-based alternatives, purely for the benefit of the meat lobby. It goes without saying that politics should be at the service of the general public, and not of a lobby group.

It's ridiculous that people want to ban words that deal with the shape of something. Then you will no longer be allowed to say chicken nuggets because nuggets is reserved for gold. You might accidentally put a gold nugget in your mouth. Perhaps this comparison is a bit exaggerated, but it makes the matter clear. The meat industry appropriates words here that are not theirs at all. Phew. The words burger, sausage, rod, slice, cone, minced meat, these are all words about shape. Just like fillet says something about the way something is made, just like minced meat (double meaning, shape and preparation method). Will we soon be allowed to no longer use the word purree? It goes too far. Doesn't it clearly state on the packaging what it contains?

Why to ban words like burger and sausage on plant based food is ridiculous.

The people who want to eat regular meat are not so dumb that they "by accident" will buy a plant based product. In most cases the word "plant based" already rings a bell.

Just as people who want to eat plant based products will not be misled by those terms.

If in the year 2025 you still think that a veggie chicken burger is made from chicken that had vegetables for lucnh, you probably have lived under a stone the past 20 years.

It's also quite condescending thinking that consumers are all stupid and do not know what they are buying/eating.

But we all know the meat industry does this to set back the growing revolution of planted based products because it will affect their profits. Sad!

This wordplay targeted for banning veggie products to use certain words like burger, sausage etc. is quite inconsistant and irresponsible.

1.burger, sausage, nugget etc.refers to certain kind of shape or outlook of the product, not to fact if it contains meat or not.

If certain usage of words is banned from veggie products, then meat products cannot use words like "viljaporsas" (grain-fed pork, in Finnish language it almost refers to pork = grain) or porkkananakki (carrot sausage, but it contains only 20% of carrot and 67% meat, why is the carrot mentioned first when it is less amount compared to meat) etc. Meat products, especially sausages, contain a lot of amount flours and other parts of animals and not just meat. This act is just hypocrisy from the meat industry lobbyist.

2.This is irresponsible act as well. It is healthier and more responsible to eat more vegan food than meat products. Healthier for people and for the globe and as well for animals that are in many many places kept in bad condition and environment just to maximize profits for meat industry. They know it is healthier to eat veggies and that's why carrot sausage sounds better.

I really hope this kind of quite ridiculous acts don't waste time to deal with more urgent and important cases like how to end wars or how to prevent more environmental issues.

think the idea that vegan/vegetarian products can no longer be called sausage or the like is very regressive. In every store, they have long been spatially separated from each other, so that confusion is impossible. And whenever someone reaches for a vegetarian alternative, it is enough for the benefit of personal health and animal welfare.

Please take care of important things such as e.g. the digital and military dependence on the USA.

Ridiculous! What harm can using words like burger and so for non meat preparations do? The meat lobbies are (unfortunately) powerful enough without quibbling over the use of  such words

We need a world where human and animal life is respected in a green transition. The ban will only make fewer people buy these sustainable products that the world really needs.

Just to be clear: I don’t even like meat (or fish, for that matter), so I won’t buy plant-based meat alternatives whatever they’re called. However, I’m well aware that people like me, who don’t like meat, are rare; most people I know love meat, and plant-based meat alternatives make it easier for them to eat less meat. And as research demonstrates again and again, eating less meat is very necessary, for our planet’s health, for our own health, and for global food security. Therefore, the protein transition shouldn’t be thwarted by initiatives like this. The majority of people are perfectly able to discern plant-based alternatives from their meat-based counterparts, as plant-based alternatives already have terms like “veggie” or “plant” in their names. To me, this whole plan to ban meat-like names for plant-based alternatives, feels like the umpteenth attempt of the meat industry lobby to slow down the protein transition, or even to stop it from happening at all. Especially in the light of the current EU trend of deregulation and cutting red tape, I’m appalled that the European Parliament seems to be falling for this.

Hello, by senseless arguing, the deputies are only wasting precious time, which they should devote to more serious problems. I am a vegetarian and thanks to the labeling of non-meat products, burgers, sausages and the like, at least I know what taste I can expect. If only a general designation such as a slice or disk should be given, one would be buying something about which one has absolutely no idea how it tastes. I don't see any problem now in getting familiar with the range of vegetarian or vegan products. Today, most every store has a clear indication of the product range and it cannot be confused with animal products.

Ingredients and materials used to make familiar products have always been in change in order to respond to the demands of today.

Taking an example from the world of bicycles the first bicycles were made out of wood! After that there have been several different development phases using a variety of materials ranging from iron to aluminum to carbon fibre. What is this form of transportation called today? The bicycle.

Ingredients do not change the name of the product. A different concept altogether would. A sausage made with plant based protein instead of animal based protein is called a sausage. It's simple. No need to make it complicated and confusing.

In order to lower the barriers for people to try plant-based alternatives we need to explain with what products can be substituted. It's to help people, not to deceive.

If the argument is purely about foggy definitions, simply come up with a standardised logo (perceivable by the visually impaired) to put on all plant-based alternative products, to make it clear for everyone.

I ask you to vote against the proposal to ban terms such as burger and sausage on vegetarian products. I think the fact that this is being considered at all is a demonstration of not taking the residents seriously and slavishly following the meat lobby. I rate you higher and look forward to this bill not passing.

The proposal to ban the use of terms that usually describe products of animal origin cannot even be considered as yet another aid to the meat lobby which is already widely supported with financing and subsidies (also paid by citizens who do not eat products of animal origin). It is only and exclusively an attempt to damage the plant based sector without giving real benefits to the meat sector. A vegan will not start eating meat again just because he no longer finds veggie burgers, just as a person doesn't become vegan just because he finds veggie burgers. No literate person can really get confused about buying a veggie burger instead of a scottona burger, while for non-literate people it makes no difference what is written on the package. Who knows if seafood salad will continue to be called that despite not having any type of salad inside.

Changing names for vegetarian meat is not good because it can confuse consumers about what to buy and undermines traditional culinary patterns. How else can I get clear what I am eating?

They have all gone crazy, the only party that benefits from this is the meat industry and not the consumer as is pretended. These rules only make things more unclear for consumers.

Why is the ban unnecessary? Consumer understanding is already there. Most people know what a veggie steak or veggie burger means. The terms refer to the form and method of use, not the raw material. Nobody assumes they're getting beef when they buy a soy steak. The ban does not add clarity. On the contrary, it can confuse consumers. If plant-based products are not allowed to be marketed with familiar names, we have to use clumsy and even unclear names, which can make it difficult to choose a brand in a store or restaurant. In addition, the change would bring unnecessary additional costs to both product manufacturers and retailers, when, for example, product packaging, price information labels and menus would have to be renewed. Who would cover these costs? The ban would only serve the meat industry. The background of this decision is the desire to protect the interests of the meat industry, not the rights of consumers. This reveals that it is more about financial lobbying than genuine need. The terms under threat of ban rather describe the form and intended use, not the main raw material. The word steak means that the product is meant to be fried and eaten as the main part of a meal. Burgeri refers to the product being suitable for a hamburger. Without familiar clear words, the consumer would have to guess the usage. In addition, due to the climate, public health and animal rights, it is important to guide and encourage consumers to use plant-based products. When a plant-based product resembles a familiar meat product in name and shape, it can lower the threshold to try something new. Simple and familiar terms make the products attractive and easy to find. If the ban forced the use of new names, plant-based products could remain on the margins in the worst case.

The ban therefore does not serve consumers or promote a sustainable food culture. It is pointless, inconsistent and only serves the interests of the meat industry. Plant-based products benefit from familiar names because, among other things, they make the transition easier and clearer. And at the end of the day, banning such words by law is not suitable for the 2020s: it is a vocabulary that neither offends anyone nor discriminates.

I personally have recently become Vegan, and so my family has also slowly transitioned to plant-based eating as well. Finding vegan food has been so easy due to helpful naming conventions such as "Vegan Burgers" and similar terms, especially for my mother who is not as experienced with what is truly vegan or not, so this is super useful for her. The potential removal of this will in no way help us or anyone find these products easier. It will just make it more hidden and tougher to find. I feel quite saddened by this ridiculous proposal to ban terms that are helpful for consumers. This form of censorship is not something anyone should stand for in todays society.

The world needs to eat more green to save our planet, reduce harm for animals and to stay healthy. And to stand against this ban is to stand with the planet, the people and the animals!

I think this whole discussion is so ridiculous, and I honestly find it crazy that our politicians spend so much time on this instead of dealing with some real issues we are facing.

Obviously, it should be ok to call these veggie sausages, burgers, etc. Consumers are absolutely able to distinguish. I'm sure there are examples in all European languages of cases where this kind of naming has never caused issues before, in Germany we have "Sonnenmilch", "Scheuermilch", and "Kinderschokolade", no one ever thought there is actual milk or kids in these.

With regard to the preposterous potential change in EU law not allowing vegan and vegetarian burgers sausages et cetera I would like to say that whoever is lobbying on behalf of the meat industry needs to tell me what the word sausage and the word burger actually mean, because a sausage is a tube shaped object And a burger? Who the hell knows? it’s only an excuse to try and make it more and more difficult for people who give a crap about animals, and the planet  to do the right thing.

In Italy almost 10% of the population occasionally or systematically consumes exclusively plant-based products. It would be sad if these 10%, when they have to describe or ask for dishes of that kind, were forced to pass for a group of extraterrestrials who consume vegetable disks or other amenities because other words of their language have been forbidden to them. I ignore the reasons of environmental sustainability, prevention of pandemics and antibiotic resistance, greater availability of food for poor countries, etc., which a boost to this type of diet would give, when instead we try to hinder its development. Not to mention the suffering that would be spared, of course. I leave aside the fact that for companies producing similar plant-based alternatives, the change would impose marketing costs that would condemn them or burden a category of consumers already unfairly penalised. I'm just saying again that behind the most extravagant labels things would remain with their name. Nobody talks about soy drinks or oat drinks, but everyone talks about soy and oat milk, at the bar, at home, at the supermarket. And none of those who choose them or those who exclude them do so thinking of the strange cows of the strange breed that would have produced them by milking. The information that already exists on the ingredients of the products and their nutritional values ​​is more than sufficient to avoid confusion and poorly thought-out choices.

The topic of my graduation paper, back in 1989, was "Mystification of Language". It was written on 30 pages. I always say, the things people do with language, today it would probably have 3000, and maybe that even wouldn't be enough. I fell in love with language, as a system of communication, during my undergraduate years. The first thing we learned was that each word has a "form" and a "content". It's incredible how people today, who consider themselves gods, whereas, thankfully, there is only one God, believe that, by changing the form, they can force everybody into accepting the new content - chosen by them, of course - but that is their biggest mistake. I can't believe the arguments they use for banning these words for "veggie use" - they couldn't even convince a three year old with them (little children being much more clever and observant then we usually give them credit for in general). Today, alas, we see so many crazy things around us that somebody is trying to force us to accept as "normal". Let's hope (I am an incredible idealist, although I'll turn 60 soon) veggie burger and veggies sausage won't be the latest casualties of that madness.

While countries outside Europe are investing heavily in the plant-based sector, European policy threatens to stifle innovation by banning terms such as vegan burger or plant-based sausage. An absurd measure that bears the direct signature of a well-organized meat lobby, and which shows the political will to protect vested interests rather than seize future economic opportunities.

The reasoning that consumers would be "confused" does not hold water: study after study shows that people perfectly understand what plant-based means. The real effect of this ban is therefore not protection, but delay. Companies have to invest in new packaging, marketing and communication, while their products become less recognizable and therefore find it more difficult to find their way to the consumer.

For a continent that wants to profile itself as a world leader in the Green Deal, this is a painful paradox. Europe is sabotaging its own competitiveness by slowing down a crucial growth sector at a time when international players are accelerating.

The economic consequences for our plant-based market and the brake on sustainable food innovation are significant and completely avoidable.

What is at stake here is not just a choice of words, but Europe's credibility as a forward-looking, sustainable and innovative player. Europe is in danger of making a historic mistake if this ban were to be introduced.

Much strength in the coming weeks and thanks for carrying my voice all the way to Brussels.

The argument put forward by the meat lobby that the use of meat labels for

plant-based alternatives risks confusion for consumers is a fig-leaf argument.

The additional labeling as "Vegetarian" or "Vegan" is sufficiently obvious and

a meat label indicating its equivalent even heightens the clarity for consumers

because they know what to expect. In this sense, meat labels for plant-based

alternatives is functional and should not be banned.

As the European Union strives to meet its ambitious climate goals, including a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050, the transition to more sustainable food systems is critical. Scientific consensus underscores that shifting toward plant-based diets is one of the most effective ways to reduce the environmental impact of our food choices, particularly given the significant emissions associated with livestock farming.

To facilitate this transition, consumers must be empowered to make informed choices. Clear and intuitive labeling of plant-based alternatives is essential. Restricting the use of familiar "meat names" (e.g., "burger," "sausage," or "steak") for plant-based products risks confusing consumers and hindering their ability to identify suitable alternatives. Consumers are more likely to choose plant-based options when these products are labeled in ways that clearly signal their purpose as meat substitutes—while transparently indicating their plant-based nature. This approach ensures that those who prefer traditional meat products are not misled, as the origin of the product remains unambiguous.

Studies, including those conducted by the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) and independent market research, have shown that descriptive terms help consumers understand the intended use of plant-based products, thereby supporting dietary shifts without compromising choice or clarity. The goal is not to deceive but to provide practical guidance for those seeking sustainable alternatives.

In light of this, I urge you to reconsider the proposal that would ban the use of meat-related terminology for plant-based products. Instead, let us focus on policies that promote transparency, consumer education, and the availability of sustainable options. By doing so, we can align our food systems with the EU’s climate objectives while respecting consumer autonomy and fostering innovation in the agri-food sector.

The alternative of vegetable "meats" must continue to exist and be called with the names that recall them to animal products.

The choice, however, will then be made by the final consumer, vegan, vegetarian or omnivore, with his choice for ethics, for the environment or for his own health.

We let the alternatives be easily identifiable by those who want to choose, with the right names on the products and without creating confusion in the free choice.

The names of products such as sausages, cutlets and other bacon are not exclusively the property of the meat lobbies. These are conventions that have worked well so far to indicate a particular shape and/or taste. By adding the qualifier "plant-based", the consumer is well informed about the composition of the product and can make an informed choice. Society evolves and so does language. And it would not be in the interest of the planet and therefore of humanity that the consumption of less meat be widely promoted.

Why EU has to put pressure on this topic while a lot of other topics are REALLY MORE URGENT ? This is like the least of people problems

Also more and more people are trying those veggie options in order to reduce their meat consumption / carbon footprint. In the race against global warming, this is great news. Putting not attractive names on those products could reduce this effect.

MEAT LOBBY CAN’T WIN

Well I do not see any reason to avoid words like burger or sausage from plant based alternatives  when um the same label is veggie or plant based.

The costumers are well informed about what kind of products  are on question.

On the actual situation everybody knows well those products and the label burguer or sausage or similar word can help people that is starting on the veggie or vegan style to better get the taste.

Hi, I’m a big fan of EU.

But I find it extremely problematic how EU scatter away their precious (and expensive tax paid)  time away on matters that don’t matter at all. It’s damaging for the public opinion of EU -

Instead get going on solving problems that actually matters! The world is burning, and you spend time on if a plantburger must be called burger!

Also, you should rather promote plantburgers as a much healthier  - and climate and nature friendly - product, addressing the problems that are real problems.

Also this matters, because this discussion it’s not about concern for the consumers  - it’s all about the meat lobby trying to protect their animal products. If they had any concern for the customers wellbeing, the meat lobby would be transparent about the contents and the climate consequences of their products.

Also they talk down to us consumers

- that we supposedly are unable to distinguish between a plantburger and a meat!

Dear people, A message from the Netherlands here. What total nonsense to ban words like sausage and burger if they have 'veggie' or 'vegetarian' in front of them. European citizens are not crazy: the people who want to eat meat, will eat it anyway. Vegetarian + burger = a vegetable, flat product that can be prepared in a frying pan. Not a political statement. Don't make it that way. I urge you to refrain from restrictive legislation.

I find this completely insane, unnecessary,  costly legislation. We all know no one is accidentally buying veggie sausages or burgers thinking they're meat. It clearly states on the packaging what they are. I agree 100% that meat lobby interests are being given priority over the interests of ordinary people, their health, and health of the planet. There are so many things the EU should be focusing on; this non-issue created by meat lobbyists isn't one of them. Thank you for fighting against it.

Eating veggie or vegan can be confusing at first, so it's nice to be able to cook the recipes you cooked before by just replacing the meat with a vegan alternative. It's also easier for people I eat with, because they can just grab a vegan burger for me.

But most importantly: it feels nice to be taken into account.  This new law feels like I'm being left out.

A real shame, this victory of lobbyists over common sense, greed over intelligence!

Keep up the good work,

Bannig words like „sausage“ or „burger“ from plant-based alternatives is simply stupid. To claim that consumers cannot distinguish between plant-based and animal-based products based on packaging is an absolute outrage.

How stupid do parliamentarians think consumers are? Or should consumers, in light of this proposal, perhaps be asking themselves how stupid parliamentarians are?

The EU, as well as the rest of the world, is currently burdened by far greater problems. These include the climate crisis, various wars, genocides and human rights violations, as well as persistent racism, classism, sexism and various other forms of discrimination against different groups of people. It would be far more appropriate to address the real problems of this planet and its inhabitants, than to ban words like „sausage“ or „burger“ form plant-based products.

This initiative once again illustrates how out of touch with reality the EU parliament and its policies are and that they prefer to deal with nonsense rather than significant problems and their solutions.

Why can't a product be called a veggie burger, while names such as chicken burger or fish burger are allowed?

Banning 'meat names' for vegetarian products makes it less clear to consumers what they are buying. As long as it is clearly stated that it is a vegetarian product, the use of a well-known name only contributes to transparency.

If meat names for vegetarian products were banned, consistent implementation would mean that products such as filet americain would no longer be an exception and should be called spreadable meat, for example, or that a meatball should then be called meatball.

Please leave the names of vegetarian products as they are.

1. Taking consumers for fools? No thank you! The meat lobby wants us to believe that we are too stupid to check the difference between a beef steak and a pea protein steak. But we've been checking for a long time: "Sun Milk" contains no milk, "Buttercup" no butter and "Milky Way" certainly none at all. But suddenly "veggie burger" is a problem? As if. We're not toddlers – we know exactly what we're buying. The only thing that is confusing here is the audacity with which the meat industry wants to take us for fools. While she herself advertises "meat from species-appropriate husbandry" (lol) or "climate-neutral beef" (double lol), without even a stalk of straw being sustainable.

2. Millions for relabeling – who pays for it? WE. Manufacturers now have to spend millions on new packaging, costs that will be passed on to us in the end. Why? So that a few old white men in suits can pay for their fear of the future. The meat industry has destroyed the environment for decades, tortured animals and pumped us full of cheap meat – and now that competition is finally coming, they are crying around. Instead of adapting, they simply try to regulate the competition away. But sorry, 2025 doesn't work like that anymore.

3. Kill innovation because it doesn't suit the meat mafia? Plant-based alternatives are the future – better for the climate, better for animals, better for our health. But the meat lobby is terrified that we will realize: Hey, we don't need their stuff at all. So they try to suffocate start-ups and creative products with bureaucracy. Because they have no real arguments. Instead of becoming more sustainable themselves, they prefer to block progress. Typical boomer mentality: "If I can't do it, no one should be able to!"

4. "Cultural tradition"? Rather "cultural encrustation"! "Burger" and "sausage" describe how something tastes and looks, not what it is made of. Just like "coffee substitute" or "beef tomato". But suddenly that's a problem? Laughable. The same people who talk about "tradition" here import cheap meat from South America and destroy local farmers. Hypocrite.

5. Protect climate killers instead of saving the climate The meat industry is one of the biggest polluters in the world – and now they want to prevent us from buying alternatives? This is not only brazen, it is criminal. While the world is burning, they are blocking solutions just to secure their profits. But we will no longer be fooled.

6. Lobbyists at work: Who is really behind it? Behind the ban are powerful meat lobby associations (Copa-Cogeca, German meat barons, etc.) who are afraid that plant-based products taste too much to us. The same people who prevent climate labels for meat and subsidize factory farming. Now they also want to determine how we make our own food choices. Not today, Satan.

Conclusion: This is not "consumer protection" – this is a desperate power struggle. The meat lobby fears nothing more than a generation that says: "Actually, I don't need your stuff." And that's exactly why we have to speak up now. Share that, buy more consciously and don't let yourself be fooled. The future is plant-based – and it comes with or without the permission of the meat barons.

I am outraged by the plan to no longer allow vegetarian products to use their natural name, which comes from their form or function, such as sausage, schnitzel, burger, etc. Do you really want to play language police and forbid responsible citizens from using normal words for normal things? Isn't it allowed to buy scouring milk if it doesn't contain animal uterine secretions? What about sunscreen? Are wood chips also forbidden? It is obvious that the consumer can distinguish between the origin of a product, especially when manufacturers benefit greatly from clearly labeling vegetarian and vegan products as such, as this represents a quality feature. It is no wonder that there is such an overemphasis on EU bureaucracy when you want to introduce such absurd regulations. If you absolutely have too much time, feel free to specify that you write “animal” wherever animal products are contained. Then at least everyone will be helped. Otherwise, please concentrate on important things such as measures for climate protection and climate adaptation, for example a significant reduction in animal populations. Another measure would be to reduce taxation on plant-based foods and increase taxation on all products that are harmful to health and the environment. That's ultimately what the EU is there for - to protect people and their livelihoods - and not to harass them.

Dear ladies and gentlemen, we citizens of Europe want to buy and eat - purely plant-based burgers - purely plant-based sausage - purely plant-based schnitzel - purely plant-based milk and so on. As before and with even fewer bans and regulations than before (milk does not have to be animal secretion, milk is a white to yellow emulsion! see "Spurge's milk"), we want to be able to quickly and safely find, recognize and buy the products in the store that we want to buy and consume WITHOUT undemocratic obstacles and bans using clear terms such as "vegetable milk" and "vegan meat"! The planned bans only benefit cruel and destructive factory farming! and even this only for a short time; Because over the medium or long term, we not only destroy animals brutally and ruthlessly and en masse, but also our nature and the climate! Don't throw any obstacles in the way of a potentially healing and saving movement!

I have been VEGAN for many years. I am Italian and I was born in Belgium in Charleroi. No one in the world can force me to eat animals exploited on farms and slaughtered in slaughterhouses. These stupid tricks of the meat lobbies will not work. The number of vegetarian and vegan consumers is increasing every day, so the food market has already changed. No ban will stop this evolution.

Nobody has ever been confused about the contents of veggie meat alternatives, with how many times the phrases "VEGAN" and "PLANT BASED" is slapped across the package. The whole consumer confusion argument is a lame one, thrown up by an increasingly obsolete industry that runs on cruelty, desperate to hold onto its market share. Does the EU care about true consumer freedom, or about protecting the interests of these propaganda machines of the meat industry? Whatever is decided on this matter will reveal where the priorities truly lie in Brussels. Remember that. And if we're going to forbid veggie burgers, mince and sausage, let's label meat products accurately as well, in the interest of having an informed public. "Corpse sticks", "flesh puck" and "ground up cows" for example?

Come on, let's not be servants to the meat industry. Let's choose common sense here. Do not let this European citizen down.

If vegan alternatives are no longer allowed to be labeled correctly, e.g. vegan salami or vegan chicken schnitzel, then as a consumer I have no reasonable choice because I can no longer tell at a glance what the vegan product is supposed to taste like. This is a major disadvantage for vegan customers. This makes me feel unnecessarily limited in my choices.

So sad, that we all have to pay for absurd laws.

Nobody expects cows in palms, when you say coconutmilk. In Denmark, we make "pølser" in the toilet. Nobody expects that kind of pølse/ sausage on a plate. And so on.

If people generally are expected to be mentally disabled, it is time to provide better foods at lower costs. Then better schools and healthy homes.

If you do your job well as a MEP, you represent the voice of the European. He wants politicians to take action against climate change and global warming. Eating more plant-based foods is an important solution that makes a major contribution to this. As a member of the European Parliament, do not be distracted by the fear of an industry disguised in worthless arguments, but vote with the voice of the European against this law.

I appeal to politicians to resist the specious consumer protection argument. This is window dressing, ultimately it's all about the interests of the meat industry. Making it harder for people to choose plant-based alternatives is irresponsible. Please vote rationally - no one will be harmed (except perhaps the meat industry) if vegan schnitzel continues to be available!!!

Why the upcoming ban of words concerning plant based alternative is ridiculous:

Linguistically words like burger or sausage pertain to the physical appearance or method of preparation of said product. Herein lies the problem with the ban of such words for plant-based alternatives, if a plant based burger is misleading to consumers, so should a chicken, turkey or pork burger be, seeing as the original burger consists of beef and beef only.

Also overlooking the fact that a burger is officially part of the American Cuisine known as "fast food" wherein only precooked items which can be heated and eaten are part of said cuisine. This immediately disqualifies any and all burgers sold under such a name by stores which are not pre-cooked, making most plant-based burgers actual burgers, rather than their uncooked meat counterparts, seeing as they can be consumed merely by heating.

The whole situation is absurd and the EU is struggling with trivial matters.

There are important issues to deal with in the world, and whether someone calls vegan sausage a sausage or not isn't one of them.

So, even using common sense, the EU could focus on solving the real problems and forget the silly food-related puns.

Consumers are not stupid or illiterate, and any intelligent being can distinguish between meat and a vegan product even from the store shelf.

The proposal does not make any sense for several reasons:

- vegan food is always located in a different area of the supermarket compared to meat, so there is *zero* chance that people will buy it by mistake. “Vegan”, “vegetarian” and similar are always clearly written on the package. The number of people that can (*could*) be fooled by *mistake* is simply negligible

- it is not going to help European farmers: meat-eating people do not buy these products by mistake, vegan and vegetarian will just have a hard time in finding the products they are looking for

- it is not going to help European competitiveness: many vegan food brands are based in the US or in the UK. This law would be a clear signal to European companies: your business is not welcome here, do not innovate here (while vegan and vegetarian people will not stop looking for this kind of food)

- for the reasons above, vegan and vegetarian people will be affected by this, as well as companies making this kind of food

- Europe was supposed to be at the forefront of climate change. This, among many other initiatives, is a betrayal to *all* European citizens, because vegan and vegetarian food is good for health *and* for the environment, and we all, including meat-eaters, benefit from a healthy environment. I used to be proud of being European and this, even if small compared to other big issue, is just another signal of a wrong direction. It’s like a forbidding same-sex marriage: children won’t be “protected” (because there’s no nothing to be protected from), and because someone is upset by someone else’s behavior, we all loose something

- this law is too strict for all the reasons above. Clearer labeling guidelines are sufficient to not kill a whole economic sector *which is good for human health and the environment*. Do not forget the animal farming is a major source of pollution. Just ask those living in areas with intensive animal farming

Here are a few thoughts concerning the proposed veggie burger ban, from a meat eater who regularly enjoys plant-based alternatives.

1. Is this really the most important matter facing EU agricultural ministers ? Ahead of a reform of the common agricultural policy ? Ahead of encouraging sustainable farming practices ? Ahead of helping our farmers to adapt to climate change ?

2. Labelling plant-based alternatives as veggie burgers or sausages does not confuse consumers. Quite the opposite, it gives those new to plant-based food a clear idea of how they can be prepared. "Veggie burger" - just put it in a bun and accompany with fries. "Veggie sausage" - great with mash and gravy.

3. It is frankly insulting that ministers seem to think consumers are too stupid to be able to tell the difference between meat and plant-based versions. Especially since, in my local supermarket at least, the plant-based options are clearly labelled and displayed separately.

4. What is the alternative wording being proposed ? Veggie discs ? Veggie pucks ? Veggies tubes ? How very appetising...

We urgently need to focus on saving our planet, ourselves, and the animals we share the planet with. Plant-based food is a major contributor to this change. Naming plant-based alternatives based on the types of meat they’re based on makes it easier for consumers to make replacements and switch to a more plant-based diet. It doesn’t confuse consumers, it helps them make the change we need in Europe and in the world.

The plan to ban plant-based alternative foods from being identified in these terms is not even logical. The groups that are lobbying for this are not representing any real consumers, but rather the meat-based industry who want some kind of monopoly on language. The meat industry does not have the exclusive copyright to any of these words.

Take for example the terms sausage or burger. It refers to a format of that food. A hamburger or burger does not always consist of one meat sort since there are beef burgers, chicken burgers to name two common examples; the format is the burger or patty and what it is made of can vary between beef, chicken, pork, soya, cheese, lamb etc. Furthermore a (ham)burger is not restricted to any one region as a cultural specialty where the name and recipe has to be protected as intellectual rights like some cheeses for example.

The other point to consider is that in most supermarkets the vegan/vegetarian options are grouped seperately from the meat products. This is partially to prevent cross-contamination of product. The point being that a typical shopper will clearly see that they are not in the meat section so I do not understand the argument that naming plant-based slices: veggie burgers would somehow confuse consumers or somehow be misleading. It immediately informs the consumer that it is a veggie patty that one would normally fry in a pan and served on a bun. The word slices, is not specific enough about the format of the product.

It is beyond ridiculous that time and money is even being wasted on this plan. A better plan would be to ensure that manufacturers of plant-based foods clearly display the vegan or vegetarian logo on the packaging. Trying to restrict language on packaging that is referring to a certain general food format should be rejected. Tying up parliament's, committees and ministers for such a petty non-issue is absurd. And to reiterate that no industry or lobby should have exclusive rights to general terms to describe food. The next thing you know, the lobby will demand that the form of a burger patty is exclusive to being made from meat that fits on a standard round bread bun; I mean where will it end?

The proposed renaming of vegetarian products is unnecessary, petty lobbying by a meat industry responsible for massive damage to our planet,  by trying to discourage those who choose to switch or partially switch their diet for the good of the planet. No one buys clearly labelled vegetarian sausages or vegetarian burgers by mistake when they mean to choose meat. Language evolves as time evolves and those stuck in time cannot unreasonably try to prohibit the evolution of a language that does no meaningful harm to them.

Hi, I think it is an absurd (bad) plan, because it does not cause any confusion among consumers and is purely intended to protect the meat sector. While it is actually a good idea if the meat sector itself focuses on the protein transition, instead of holding it back. It's really bizarre that this is on the table in the EU, I thought we had put this phase behind us long ago. More plant-based food is better for our own health, for the health of animals and our planet, so it is really a "must-do".

I strongly oppose the proposed restriction on using familiar names like “burger” or “sausage” for plant-based alternatives. Such terms do not mislead consumers—they help them make informed choices during the transition toward more sustainable diets.

Consumers are mature and perfectly capable of distinguishing between plant-based and animal-based products. The use of descriptive, familiar names helps communicate taste, texture, and intended use, which encourages more people to explore plant-based options. Restricting this language would only create confusion and slow down the shift to more climate-friendly consumption patterns.

I urge EU decision-makers to reject this unnecessary and counterproductive ban and to support consumer clarity, innovation, and freedom of choice instead.

I am against the ban on the term, as consumers are very capable of distinguishing between the products they buy. This regulation could make it easier for consumers to switch to a healthier plant-based or purely plant-based diet.

Please stop and think for a second what it is that you are promoting by banning these words. You are saying Yes to squashing little chickens, because we cannot use them. You are saying Yes to removing little cows from their mothers, because we think humans are more entitled to milk. You are saying Yes to climate change.

Consumers are not helpless little infants. We build houses, we buy cars, and we organize our households and jobs. We know by the addition veggie, that we are eating vegetables. And even if we don't, it will not kill is to eat less meat once a day.

What does kill us, is killing nature/ killing our planet. So please don't go ahead with this ban. Give us a chance on free will and a future for our children.

Thank you for your message. I’m writing because I am concerned about the proposed restrictions on using common terms like “burger” or “sausage” for plant-based products.

To me, this feels like an unnecessary distraction from the real challenges Europe is facing. Consumers are perfectly capable of understanding what they are buying, and there is no evidence that people are being misled by names such as “veggie burger” or “vegan sausage.” These terms are widely used, practical, and clear.

Instead of limiting language and adding more rules, I believe the EU should focus its energy on solving urgent issues and supporting innovation, especially in sectors that can help the climate and public health. The plant-based market is growing because people want more choice — not less — and restricting simple, familiar wording only creates confusion.

I respectfully ask you to reconsider this proposal and support policies that encourage transparency, consumer freedom, and real progress.

Thank you for taking public input into account.

The words burgers and sausages are generic terms and can be applied to any form of food for example pork ,beef, chicken, veggie, salami etc.

It also describes the shape of the food even more so than the content.

This is blatant discrimination against a minority group.

These words are not being banded for use by anyone else but Vegans/Vegetarians.

Because it is discrimination it is very obviously against the European Convention for Human Rights, and is therefore illegal/criminal.

Are you sure this proposal is put out to protect consumers rather than being seemingly obvious attempt to  increase costs and cause harm to producers of plant based foods?

Is there any evidence that EU consumers need this "protection"? What kind of evidence, how big problem is the current situation causing?  Do you think that adopting plant based diet as much as possible is one critical measure for avoiding existential crisis for human kind?

Are you able to put these things in perspective?

Responsible food producers that have developed plant-based products in addition to their traditional meat-based products are the ones taking negative hit if this ban is put in place. We are 50 years late to play these kind of games. Please do the responsible thing here, thank you.

do not support the plan to change the widely accepted words used to describe vegetarian food products. The plan is completely absurd and puts the interests of the meat lobby ahead of all others. By leaving the terms that have been in use for a long time and are widely known, the meat industry will not be harmed. By abolishing these terms and using new, extremely unappealing ones, the plant-based food industry will suffer a major blow that no one who loves the planet and values free choice should want.

I hope you will make a wise and conscientious decision to oppose this plan.

Here are three responses, specifically framed for Conservative and Christian agriculture ministers. The third hijacks the opponents' frame. Hopefully it will help get this bizarre ban off the table. Citizens have the right and freedom to choose what they eat. Europe does not have to decide which words are on our plates. The market for vegetable proteins is growing enormously and European companies are playing a pioneering role in this. The EU should not impose unnecessary rules and restrictions on these companies. Many European consumers value tradition when it comes to food: they want to know what they are eating and how to prepare it. At the same time, many want to contribute to a clean environment, now and in the future, by eating less meat. Recognizable names such as burger, sausage and nuggets help them to integrate new products into the way of cooking, dining and family meals. Keeping these names protects the continuity of our food culture: it makes change possible without breaking tradition.

Calling vegan products sausage or burger simply helps people understand how to use and enjoy them. These names are practical, not ideological. No one has ever confused a vegan item for an animal product. Arguing about labels only distracts from what truly matters: protecting our planet. Instead of getting drawn into manufactured debates pushed by the meat lobby, we can choose to focus on the larger shared goal we all care about, a healthier environment and a better future for everyone.

Really a ridiculous development, a shameful kneeling to the meat lobby!

No consumer is confused by this, it is just a playbook by the meat lobby to make it difficult for producers of plant-based products by banning creative and catchy names.

We also don't ask butchers to call their pork sausages "corpse bars"!

Sausage is a general name and not reserved for products made from meat, just like burger or minced meat.

At a time when it is now clear that eating a lot of meat is bad for people, animals and the planet, it is a shameful development and the people who lobby for this and even earn their living from it, really need to take a good look in the mirror.

I can only regard such legislation as harassment of vegetarians and vegans, and as a desperate attempt by the meat producers and their lobbyists to stop and slow down green development and thus also a more sustainable future for agriculture. It is absurd and outrageous.

I think it is so ridiculous that we are discussing this topic at all. Why is it so important what the vegan and plant-based products are called? There really are more important things in the world! I think we should drop this discussion and focus on the real problems - because there are plenty of them! There is so much turmoil and war and disease, and it is all the fault of men! Let's try to turn the tables (and hopefully save the planet) before it's too late! And let a veggie burger be called veggie BURGER! Thank you for allowing me to speak my mind on this matter ❤️

It's simply unbelievable how unimportant things the EU deals with as if there weren't more important things to do. Consumers know very well how to differentiate between plant and animal products. You don't need the patronage of the meat lobbyists. Furthermore, old packaging for veggie products would have to be disposed of. An ecological nonsense.

Ive been vegetarian for almost 8 years. Ive always enjoyed the plant based variations of stuff that are substitute for meat. Not everybody who doesnt eat meat made the choice because they dont like the taste of the meat. I think its such a nonsense to rename substitutes for meat as something neutral. IT IS plant based burger or plant based sausage. It looks like burger, it looks like sausage and even if you ask most of the people who eat meat (at least around me), they would agree nobody really cares how its called. I think the most important is that it is labeled PLANT BASED, which distinguishes it from meat. I think politicians should really look into more pressing matters than what to name plant based substitutes for meat. I think most people are even so used to it that it will just lead to confusion and is not necessary.

I have been living a plant-based life since I was diagnosed with cancer, I fed myself into complete remission with plants and should now understand how plant-based alternatives can no longer be called sausages, burgers etc. under the guise of consumer protection? If the WHO now classifies processed meat products as carcinogenic and puts them on the same level as cigarettes and alcohol, isn't it consumer deception to sell a pack of sausage without the frightening images like cigarette packs? If this really goes through, I will personally organize a guerrilla force that will relabel the liver sausage in the supermarket as “carcinogenic toxic sludge”. The whole thing is a farce! I really hope they don't allow this.

as a consumer, I prefer to find the goods in a store / eshop easily by reading - vegan yoghurt or vegan sausage. It is completely understandable that it is not a meat sausage because the name includes the word "vegan" or "plant-based".

The complicated neologisms as "vegan sliced product with cheese flavour" or utterly senseless, confuse the consumer and waste time of us all (producers changing the names, consumers etc).

I believe a ban like this, during a time where tremendous action is needed to shift to more sustainable sources of food, would greatly harm the credibility of the unions ministers and decision-makers. It’s so blatantly in the interest of the meat industry and not the greater good for our collective wellbeing that it would undermine my belief in the decision-makers ability to make informed and unbiased decisions. I’m from Sweden and even our meat lobby is publicly saying no to this because they understand how bad of an idea this is in the public’s eye.

As a Dutch citizen, I am deeply worried that the European Commission would prohibit meat-related terms - like beef, chicken, bacon, ribs, and breast - from being used on plant-based food product labels, and would even ban plant-based meat alternatives from being called "sausages" or "burgers", as if it wasn't bad enough that dairy alternatives are already legally forbidden to use terms such as “milk” or “yogurt”.

The Commission presents this proposal as an attempt to “enhance consumer transparency” and “preserve the cultural and historical significance of meat terminology”, but that is clearly misleading. As the European Parliament admitted in the past, when it rejected a similar proposal, consumers aren’t confused or misled by terms like “veggie burger”. This very year, the European Court of Justice ruled that current legislation is already sufficient to protect consumers, and even the European Commission itself stated on several occasions that we already have enough regulation on this subject.

The only reason that this frankly ludicrous proposition would be accepted is because our European politicians, at the highest level, would cave in to a powerful lobby by the meat industry - the only sector with a vested interest in maintaning the status quo.

I hold the EU in higher regard than that, and I trust you do to. It is vital that we continue with the transition to a more plant-based diet, and this proposal would only serve to hinder that transition. Instead of clarity, it would create more confusion.

I urge you, as a citizen of the EU, to reject the proposal as the European Parliament has done in the past.

Everyone understands the present names for all vegafood, except some Europeans in Brussels…

It is crucial for a safe climate, also in Europe, that we make a quick shift toward more vegetables and less meat. It’s more healthy as well. See the EAT-Lancet promotion.

So just much less products that make our climate even more dangerous! Already 250 million people (!) are victims from climate-disaster in only the last 10 years; this was just published.

This ban is completely ridiculous.... meat eaters are destroying the earth, I'm glad there are alternatives. The sole purpose of this ban is to keep the meat industry out of the wind...criminal.... Good luck with the action......

Too absurd for words. The world is on fire and in Brussels there is talk about vegetarian burgers. The meat industry lobby is behind this and apparently that industry has an awful lot of power. Stop that nonsense and decide on really important issues such as environmental pollution, CO2 emissions, world peace, fair distribution of food. There is so much good to do! Do good!

This isn't about labels. It is about boundaries: about how far one dares to go in regulating language - and therefore in regulating thinking, identity and experience.

Let's keep veggie on veggie burger! This whole topic is ridiculous, a burger doesn't need to be made of beef, what about chicken, or tuna, so why can;t it be vegan too. There's also cleansing milk and nobody things it's for drinking, there's a huge vegan sticker on the food when relevant, no one is confusing it.

The politicians of this era we are living in can be remembered as enlightened progressives who courageously opposed the rampant apocalyptic anthropocentric madness or as the greatest exponents of such destructive and self-destructive madness. Opposing the absurd requests of the Meat Lobby which, fearing the continuous growth in sales of 100% vegetable products, wants to try to boycott them in any way is a great opportunity to distinguish itself from the horrid dominant hell and fight for a new world and a new humanity that is finally ethical, healthy and mature: capable of being care and protection for every living thing and nature as a whole and no longer a parasitic bearer of pain and death.

The meat industry's big fight against the names of vegetarian products. Ridiculous, because the meat industry has no patent right on terms like sausage, burger, ham, bacon, etc. These terms are not legally protected. Aren't there more important problems in the EU??

This plan to forbid terms like vegan burger or veggie sausage is absurt and ridiculous. Should we also ban beef tomatoes? Why spill time to solve a problem that does not exist? It is clear for everyone that a veggie sausage is not meat. It is even completely clear that veggie meat is not made from an animal. So please stop this nonsense.

They can object all they want, plant-based alternatives will always increase sales, there will be no point in confusing buyers. Leave the easy names!

The proposed ban on generic terms such as sausages and burgers if they are not made if animal products is not only absurd but demonstrates lack of democracy within the European Union because it is being pressured by vested interests in the meat industry. At a time when every nation on Earth should be reducing their reliance on animal products for environmental, health and ethical reasons this flies in the face of common sense.

It's crazy, a Hamburger is perhaps a citysan of Hamburg not a Part of a Cow!

If this proposal goes through, I will lose even more trust in your politicians than I already did. NOBODY believes that it is getting anything other than veggie products if it buys a veggie schnitzel or something else. The fact that you are bought by a meat lobby rather than running the errands of your citizens is a sign of corruption. We have a climate crisis. That you are not doing everything in your power to curb it so that we have a habitable planet in the future is so incredibly disrespectful that I lose all confidence in you! Vote down the meat law and do what we pay you to do! The climate work includes that you should work for more plant-based, not more meat. What is wrong with you?

Dear, I worked for 25 years as a representative of Flanders in the EU Council, so I would like to write to you with my position, because I realize that in a democratic European Union every vote counts. Please DO NOT give in to the meat lobby! Allow the vegan/veggie sector to continue using the words 'sausage, hamburger, schnitzel, etc. The protein shift is so necessary for the preservation of our environment. I quit my job due to loss of motivation. Because it's always the big ones who win in the end. I am now traveling around Latin America and seeing the tree felling here with my own eyes. Large parts of the rainforest have already been lost, to the benefit of the meat industry. Let us give the veggie/vegan industry at least an equal opportunity. Because as their future grows, ours remains guaranteed as well. It is already 20 past 12 for the environment. Let us try to turn back the clock. I hope for your cooperation. Through your positive motivation you can certainly help make the world a little better.

It is not about lying and in fact there is no lying when talking about vegan burger or vegan sausage. Just as in Spain no one is accused of lying to another when the latter talks about a horse-drawn carriage or a bumper car at a fair. Whether a car is powered by horses or electricity is no reason to remove the name car from it. In the same way, the ingredients of a hamburger or sausage are no excuse to remove those names from a product. What should be done with every product, regardless of the name given to it, is to declare its ingredients for information purposes, so that the consumer can buy knowing what they are buying. But more important than the terminological discussion are the consequences of political decisions. Thus, for example: if the placing of vegetable hamburgers or sausages on the market implies that a single sentient individual will be saved from torture and murder (due to the lack of demand for their meat or viscera), the name that is now being questioned would already be justified.

When (EU) states treat their citizens as if they are stupid (by assuming they would be confused by reading something as simple as ‘veggie burger’), they
1) increase the distance between politicians and citizens (which the EU spends so much effort/money on other levels exactly to avoid this),
2) put the meat industry in a monopoly position again (which neither the animals nor the planet need)

3) increase a ‘them versus us’ story (which, again, humanity does not need)

I strongly disagree with this ban because it makes no sense... it will confuse consumers, not make things simpler. Veggie burgers have been on menus in restaurants globally for decades and are an exact description of what one is getting when one orders. This action is not being taken to help consumers, it is been taken to harm companies producing animal-free products, for which there is clearly a growing demand within Europe and globally. People want to be able to eat foods they are used to, without contributing to climate change or being responsible for immense amounts of animal suffering and the government has no right to make this harder for people to do. In fact, policy makers should be making this transition as easy as possible, and helping to show that Europe is leading the way towards a better world - for the future will clearly not tolerate the levels of animal suffering that we currently allow.

It is sufficient that the respective product states that it is vegan. If anything is unclear, the sales staff can be contacted.

I am writing to oppose proposed regulations that would ban terms like "burger" and "sausage" for plant-based products. This legislation addresses a problem that does not exist and creates unnecessary barriers to sustainable eating.

Here is why these restrictions are a mistake:

• Terms Describe Utility, Not Just Biology: Words like "burger" and "sausage" describe a food’s shape, texture, and culinary use—not just its ingredients. A "veggie burger" tells a consumer exactly how to prepare and eat the product. Forcing obscure names like "vegetable discs" only creates genuine confusion where there was none before.

• Consumers Are Not Confused: Shoppers do not accidentally buy "plant-based sausages" thinking they are pork, just as they do not believe "peanut butter" contains dairy. Clear modifiers already do the job effectively.

• It Undermines Sustainability: We should be making it easier, not harder, for consumers to choose climate-friendly options. Restricting familiar language acts as a protectionist barrier that hurts innovation and discourages dietary shifts necessary for planetary health.

Please reject these censorship measures. Let the market operate freely and allow consumers to make choices based on clarity, not regulatory gatekeeping.

Hello, It is important to me that the labeling and naming of vegan foods remains as it was so that I, as a consumer of non-animal products, know what to expect. I would like to eat a breaded “chicken drumstick” vegan without cruelty to animals and am looking for it. I see the vegan seal on the packaging, usually front and back, and I know I have the right product. I'm going by its name. I know what I'm buying and what I'm going to cook to round off a meal. I know I'll buy a replacement product "like hamburger" but one "like chicken" where the taste matches everything else on the plate. It is a replacement product for Wienerle, hamburgers, schnitzel, milk, cheese, like before, only without animal suffering, which is important to me and good for our environment. As a vegan, I want it to taste like cheese but not be animal-like. If it doesn't say so, how do I know what I'm buying and what to expect. That's why it's important to me as a vegan that the name on the packaging is correct.

This potential ban is complete nonsense and it is fully opposite to EU green deal policy.

Super harmful for all vegan industries and as a consequence for the future of all of us.

It's a ln intentional distraction from much more critical topics.

It's an undermining of the EU as an important and respected Institution.

It really is a hauntingly misunderstood and grossly privileged use of taxsponsored parliamental time to nit-pick on product naming of products that are better for the planet, when the world is catching on fire and humanitarian crisises are abundant. Not just in the world at large, but even on our own continent.

The animalist agricultural lobby has its hand so far up the puppet of the EU in this matter that precious time is lost and primarily our children will suffer the consequences of our idling. History will not be kind on this.

Having become a vegetarian for several years, I am very concerned by these name changes and I am firmly opposed to them.

They only aim to ostracize people who respect animal welfare more than ever while only favoring agro-industrial groups and powerful meat lobbies.

They alone have an interest in making these changes which make no sense for consumers. Indeed, no flexitarian I know is bothered by the names “vegetarian burger” or “vegetarian sausage”.

It's not a matter of vocabulary or the need to "make things clearer", it's just a way of overriding public opinion and favoring food sectors whose lobbies are very active and wealthy.

This is an additional risk that we pose to emerging vegetarianism, the only lasting solution for our planet with the respect due to free will, animals and public health.

I wholeheartedly wish you success in your approach with as many European citizens as possible at your side.

Why can't vegetarian and vegan products be called "vegan steak" or "vegan nuggets". Deceiving consumers? They're probably joking... anyone who wouldn't recognize that it's of vegetable origin from the inscription VEGAN can orient themselves by the mostly green color of the packaging (certainly the brand) or by the different location and the fact that visually it looks different and there is usually a smaller selection. After all, when you go to buy meat, it's usually in the refrigerator, and you won't really find VEGAN products right next to it. At least that's not the case with us. If this sounds like misleading consumers, we have a lot of examples of what can be included here. We all know that the popular chocolate bar "Ice chestnuts" is not made from chestnuts, and we buy it anyway. "Cat tongues" aren't from cats either. And I could go on. Why take away the freedom to name plant products according to their meat variants? Why don't they rather focus on the more important problems of the world or the problems of the EU countries?

I have the impression that they just wanted to solve something that would give them a break from the usual more complex problems, so they came up with this. They can't take away our freedom to make decisions. Freedom, sure, what we want.

The problem is important to me because it sets an example in people's minds. For ethical reasons, but also in order to achieve climate goals, people must eat at least significantly LESS meat than before. Factory farming must end! Against this background, it is only logical that meat substitute products not only have to taste delicious and also contain certain nutrients, but that the marketing must also be clear and attractive. That is currently the case. The product manufacturers often come up with funny names, make the products appealing and make it clear which meat product you are purchasing as a substitute. It is clearly visible that this is a meat substitute product. Especially since the products are marked with the “vegan” logo. There is no risk of confusion with real meat! The Brussels policy not only aims to reduce the attractiveness of meat substitute products, but also portrays citizens as immature.

If an underage person in a household mistakenly chooses a meat substitute product instead of real meat, there is NO health risk, unlike confusing fruity-smelling detergent with food, for example.

There is no harm whatsoever in using words like “burger” and “sausage” for plant-based alternatives. This is pure symbolism and not at all in the interest of the consumer. I would be highly surprised to see any rigorous research pointing to a significant part of the public wanting these terms banned. Please, focus your efforts on improving animal welfare and work towards a sustainable future. This is just a waste of time and money that will only obstruct these goals.

In all this absurdity, I don't understand why such a matter is even being discussed at the EU level. How can decision-makers even stoop to discussing this in committees? How much power can lobbyists have? Shouldn't language be allowed to evolve as it should? Throughout history, new words and ways of speaking have emerged as the world has moved forward. Why car can be called a car, because that wasn't original word chosen for vehicle with motor and 4 wheels?

And no meat eater has ever gone to the store and accidentally bought vegan food. That is not a problem in the world. Many other things are. This is harassment and a waste of valuable resources. Decision-makers could spend their time on much more important matters.

Please do not be the decision maker who will be remembered from making this stupid decision. Become a valuable for something more meaningful.