Illustrative image of a vegetable burger with cashew fiber. Disclosure The European Parliament approved, this Tuesday (16), a law that prohibits the use of the term "vegetable meat" for plant-based products, with the aim of protecting livestock farmers, reported the news agency France Presse. Despite this, the bloc continues to allow the use of names such as "veggie burger" and "vegetable sausage", following an agreement reached in March between MEPs and representatives of Member States. The ban – which still needs final approval from Member States – represents a victory for livestock farmers, who argue that plant-based foods that imitate meat could mislead consumers and harm their sector. "This is a victory for our producers, for their experience and for the transparency that is owed to consumers," said Celine Imart, a cereal producer and right-wing French member of parliament who pushed the proposal. ➡️ The text restricts the use of the generic label "beef", as well as a long list of terms that include "veal", "pork", "chicken", "turkey", "duck" and "lamb". Furthermore, it clearly defines meat as "edible parts of animals", also prohibiting its use for laboratory-grown or cell-based products. Opposition to the measure Food retailers in Germany, Europe's largest market for alternative plant-based products, had opposed the ban, along with environmentalists and consumer advocates. Singer Paul McCartney had also spoken out in defense of breaded soy steaks and tofu sausages. ➡️ The consumption, in the European Union (EU), of plant-based alternatives to products made with meat has increased fivefold since 2011, according to data from the consumer organization BEUC, driven by concerns about animal welfare, the environmental impact of livestock farming and health issues. However, the debate has not yet concluded. The new standard will initially be applied until the end of next year. For the following period, negotiations are already underway on the EU's common market organization for agricultural products, which is reviewed every seven years.