Foodwatch Calls Planned EU “Veggie Burger” Ban Illegal

In a legal opinion published ahead of a decisive round of negotiations this Wednesday, Foodwatch said the planned restrictions contradict principles established by the European Court of Justice (ECJ). In October 2024, the ECJ ruled that member states cannot prohibit product names without first specifying which alternatives should be used. The opinion also cites the EU Food Information Regulation.

“An EU ban on tofu sausages or seitan schnitzels is not only nonsensical but also unlawful,” Foodwatch quoted its managing director Chris Methmann as saying. The group urged German Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer (CSU) to block the initiative in Brussels. Rainer has previously voiced opposition to the ban.

The proposal was introduced by French members of the European People’s Party (EPP), a center-right alliance that includes Germany’s CDU and CSU. According to the legal opinion, the suggested changes to EU law are vague and confusing. For example, terms like “sausage” and “schnitzel” would be reserved exclusively for edible parts of animals, meaning even breaded meat schnitzels could no longer be marketed under that name.

Despite resistance from most German conservative lawmakers, the measure secured sufficient support in the European Parliament. Proponents argue the ban is necessary to protect consumers and farmers. For the rules to take effect, however, a majority of EU member states must also approve them.