The European Parliament has approved legislation reserving a range of meat-related terms exclusively for products of animal origin. The measure passed with 560 votes in favor, 75 against and 25 abstentions, and aims to prevent products made from cultivated cells or plant-based alternatives from using terms such as “meat,” “steak,” “loin,” “rib,” “chop,” “breast,” “bacon” and “liver,” among others.
The legislation introduces a formal definition of meat as the “edible parts of animals” and, according to its supporters, is intended to improve consumer transparency and avoid confusion in the marketplace. Céline Imart, the European Parliament member who led the proposal, said the decision protects traditional livestock production and prevents what is viewed as unfair competition from products that are not of animal origin.
In addition to the labeling provisions, the regulation strengthens the role of producer organizations in commercial negotiations, promotes greater transparency in price formation and includes support mechanisms for sectors such as dairy. These measures include mandatory written contracts and price review clauses.
The legislation still requires formal approval from the Council of the European Union before entering into force.
