In a decisive move, the European Parliament has voted to prohibit the use of meat-related terminology such as ‘steak,’ ‘sausage,’ or ‘burger’ on vegetarian and plant-based products. The resolution, passed with an overwhelming majority of 532 to 78, aims to redefine meat strictly as ‘edible parts of animals’ and ensure clarity in food labelling. The proposal will now proceed to a parliamentary committee for further refinement before being reviewed by the EU executive and negotiated among the bloc’s 27 member states. Céline Imart, a conservative German lawmaker and former farmer, emphasized that using meat-related terms for plant-based alternatives is misleading. ‘We’re not banning plant-based products, but terms should accurately reflect what they represent,’ she stated during a parliamentary debate. Austrian MEP Anna Stürgkh, however, argued that consumers are not easily confused by such labels, citing examples like ‘beef tomatoes’ and ‘ladies’ fingers’ as evidence of common understanding. She urged trust in consumer discernment and criticized the move as ‘hot dog populism.’