The EU Parliament has voted to ban meaty terms for plant-based and lab-grown products, sparking debate across Europe. Lab-grown meat does not a burger make, EU lawmakers insist, highlighting a push to reserve traditional meat labels exclusively for animal products.

Vegetarian patties like Beyond Burger’s would also be affected, leaving manufacturers to rethink product names. The vote reflects growing support for European livestock farmers but comes amid pushback from climate advocates and major retailers.

EU Parliament Votes to Protect Meat Labels

This week, lawmakers passed an amendment 355 to 247 that prohibits terms such as “burger,” “sausage,” and “steak” for plant-based and cell-cultured products. The regulation also covers other meaty descriptors, even “egg white,” reserving them for traditional meat products.

For the lab-grown meat industry, the decision poses a branding challenge. “Lab-grown flesh disk” hardly has the appeal of “hamburger,” and companies are concerned about limiting consumer recognition as the market grows.

Why EU Lawmakers Are Restricting Labels

The restriction aims to support European livestock farmers and preserve the traditional meat market. The proposal is backed by a more conservative Parliament and builds on prior bans, like prohibiting dairy terms such as “milk” or “cheese” for plant-based alternatives.

Despite the intent to protect farmers, the law has faced opposition from supermarkets, climate groups, and even fast-food chains like Burger King. Critics argue that the rules could stifle innovation in plant-based and cultured meat markets.

What This Means for the Future of Lab-Grown Meat

While lab-grown meat companies are still years away from mass-market lab-grown steak, the ban raises questions about naming rights. Industry insiders worry that creative, appealing branding may be limited, potentially slowing adoption of cultured meat in Europe.

As the legislation moves to the EU Commission and member states, the debate over what can—and cannot—be called a “burger” is far from over. Consumers and innovators alike will be watching closely.