The future use of names such as "tofu sausage," "soy schnitzel" and "veggie burger" for plant-based products in the European Union remains uncertain after negotiators failed to agree on new rules, participants told dpa on Wednesday.

After talks in Brussels, negotiators representing EU member states and the European Parliament were unable to reach a compromise and postponed the decision to a later date.

At issue is a proposed ban on using traditional meat-related terms for vegetarian and vegan products, a move supporters say would protect consumers and farmers. Under current rules, plant-based alternatives may use common meat designations.

The proposal was introduced in the European Parliament by the European People’s Party (EPP), a centre-right group that includes Germany’s CDU/CSU conservative alliance.

The initiative was led by French lawmaker Céline Imart. She said talks would continue next year.

Under the plan, terms such as "steak," "schnitzel," "burger" and "sausage" would be reserved exclusively for products made from animal meat.

While the proposal secured a majority in parliament in October, for the rules to take effect they must also win the backing of a majority of EU member states.

Germany has already come out firmly against a ban on terms such as "veggie burger." Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer said such a move would create "incredibly high costs for the economy" and additional bureaucracy.

Industry representatives say a ban would force companies to rename products and could make them harder to market.