EU countries and lawmakers wrangled on Wednesday over whether to restrict the use of terms such as "veggie burger" and plant-based "sausages." But following hours of talks, no agreement was reached, so lawmakers will have to try again next year.

It's a long-running debate, with livestock farmers saying such language has confused consumers and undermined their sector.

Why are veggie sausages controversial?

The European Parliament reignited the controversy in October when it backed a proposal to reserve labels including steak, sausage and hamburger for foods containing meat.

Supporters say the rule would help protect the value of traditional meat products and avoid consumer confusion.

The measure was introduced by French conservative lawmaker Celine Imart, who argued it would prevent confusion with traditional meat products.

Imart stressed that the goal was not to prohibit plant-based foods themselves but to defend the "true meaning" of longstanding culinary terms.

Member states now must negotiate with Parliament, though several — notably Germany, Europe's largest market for vegetarian and vegan products — have expressed reservations.

German discount chains Lidl and Aldi oppose the ban, warning that sales could fall because consumers are already familiar with existing names.

Do people confuse plant-based products with meat?

The controversy has drawn unexpected support from abroad. Former Beatles star Paul McCartney joined a group of British lawmakers in urging the EU to maintain the current rules.

While the United Kingdom is no longer an EU member, the group argued that the bloc's decisions still affect wider markets. They said consumers deliberately choose plant-based products and do not confuse them with meat.

Meat producers disagree. France's industry body Interbev claims plant-based products blur the lines between categories and exploit meat terminology for marketing purposes while undermining recognition of "natural, unprocessed" products.

France attempted to impose such naming restrictions in 2024, but the rules were struck down by the country's Council of State in early 2025 following a ruling from the EU Court of Justice.

The European Parliament previously rejected similar legislation in 2020, but the political balance shifted after the 2024 European elections. Gains by conservatives and the far right, who have positioned themselves close to agricultural interests, helped revive the proposal.

However, divisions persist even within those groups. The leader of the conservative European People's Party grouping, Manfred Weber, dismissed the idea as "not a priority," insisting consumers "are not stupid."

Edited by: Louis Oelofse