EU seeks to ban 'veggie burgers': Criticism of paternalism

The European Parliament decided on October 8, 2025, to restrict the terms 'burger', 'steak', 'sausage' and similar terms exclusively to products containing meat. This would ban designations such as 'veggie burger', 'plant-based sausage' or 'vegan steak'. IG Wild beim Wild expresses concern about this decision and characterizes it as linguistic paternalism and a restrictive intervention in the transition to a more sustainable food culture.

This is not consumer protection, but lobbying

The justification of supporters that they want to protect consumers from confusion does not convince IG Wild beim Wild.

No one seriously believes that a veggie burger contains meat, says a spokesperson for IG Wild beim Wild. This ban does not serve education, but the protection of outdated business interests. It is a step backward for transparency, innovation and ecological responsibility.

A blow against sustainability and climate

The EU Commission promotes as part of the Green Deal and the Farm-to-Fork Strategy more sustainable consumption, less meat and more environmentally friendly agriculture. The current approach of Parliament contradicts this.
«Anyone seriously wanting to reduce Europe's ecological footprint should not hinder the plant-based food industry through word bans, but rather promote it», emphasizes IG Wild beim Wild.

Plant-based products make an important contribution to climate protection and the relief of wild animals and ecosystems, as they are associated with significantly less land use and emissions.

Language must not become a brake

IG Wild beim Wild demands that clear and understandable designations for plant-based products be preserved. The term «Veggie-Burger» has long been established, transparent and clearly understood by consumers.

Language evolves with our food culture. If we take the nutrition transition seriously, we must also remain linguistically open – instead of cementing old power structures.

IG Wild beim Wild appeals to EU Council and Commission

IG Wild beim Wild calls on the member states and the EU Commission not to adopt Parliament's decision and instead to promote a modern, consumer-friendly and environmentally appropriate labeling policy.

The organization will monitor further negotiations and demands that European politics focus on genuine sustainability, transparency and education – not on symbolic politics.

You can help all animals and our planet with compassion. Choose compassion on your plate and in your glass. Go vegan.