EU plant-based product labeling regulations

Debates within the European Parliament have intensified regarding the naming and labeling of meat alternatives. Following a June 2026 decision that allowed general terms like ‘burger’ or ‘sausage’ for vegetarian products while restricting specific animal-related references, new amendments have been submitted to expand restrictions on terms such as ‘veggieburger’ and ‘tofuworst’. These proposals are currently awaiting a decision from the Agriculture Committee.

Industry groups and consumer organizations, including Foodwatch, have opposed these restrictions, arguing that terms like ‘tofu sausage’ provide clear information to consumers.

Concerns have since expanded to the snack industry. The European Snacks Association (ESA) has warned of legal uncertainty, fearing that regulations prohibiting terms like ‘steak’ or ‘chicken’ on meat substitutes might inadvertently apply to flavored snacks, such as barbecue-flavored chips or bacon-flavored biscuits. ESA officials, including Olivier Devaux, noted that meat-related names used solely to describe flavors, such as ‘roast chicken’ or ‘barbecue pork rib’, might fall under the scope of the restrictions.

The association points to a conflict between three existing EU regulations: food information for consumers, aroma regulations, and the rules prohibiting certain names for plant-based meat alternatives. To resolve this potential conflict, MEP Stephan Keller and members of the European People’s Party have proposed an amendment to include specific exceptions for savory snacks, sauces, and seasonings where meat references describe flavor rather than the product's identity.