Representatives of EU member states and the European Parliament have come to an agreement on a proposal that would, if approved, lead to a ban on names like 'vegetarian steak.' Announced by the Cypriot presidency of the EU Council, the regulation aims to enhance market transparency according to its proponents. The initiative has received support from some European farmers and livestock producers, while opposition has emerged from certain manufacturers specializing in vegan and vegetarian products.

The proposed ban would prohibit the use of terms such as steak, bacon, ham, T-bone, ribs, fillet, sirloin, belly, and other similar names for products that do not contain meat. According to the EU Council's statement, the aim of this measure is also to enable well-informed consumer decision-making. This decision does, however, exclude certain meat-like products such as hamburgers and sausages, where consumers might expect meat content, according to AFP.

The compromise proposal is set to be discussed further by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. For the proposal to fully come into effect, it must undergo additional legislative processes. The outcome of this measure could significantly influence the labeling practices of plant-based food products across the EU, reflecting a shift towards clearer consumer communication in the food industry.