EU to Ban Vegetarian Products From Using Meat Terms Like 'Steak' or 'Burger'

The European Union is moving to prohibit plant-based food products from being labeled with names traditionally associated with meat, such as "steak," "burger," or "sausage." Under the new rules, meat is formally defined as the edible parts of animals, a definition that also excludes lab-grown products cultivated from animal cells. The change means manufacturers of vegetarian and vegan alternatives will be required to use different terminology on their packaging across EU member states, including Slovakia. The regulation is part of a broader EU effort to standardize food labeling and reduce potential consumer confusion between conventional meat products and plant-based or laboratory-produced substitutes. Supporters argue the move protects both consumers and traditional livestock farmers, while critics in the plant-based food industry contend that familiar meat-related terms help consumers understand what kind of product they are buying.