Overview
- Paul McCartney and eight cross‑party UK MPs have written to European commissioners urging them to abandon proposed restrictions on terms such as burger, sausage and steak for plant‑based and lab‑grown foods.
- The European Parliament voted 355–247 in October to reserve meat‑related names after an amendment led by French MEP Céline Imart tied to wider farming‑rule reforms.
- The proposal is now under negotiation with the European Commission and EU governments and is not yet law, with reports indicating a decision could come later this week.
- Opponents, including the McCartney family and the Vegetarian Society, argue that qualifiers like plant‑based, vegetarian or vegan already prevent confusion and that a ban would hurt growth and climate goals.
- Supporters say the change protects farmers and product heritage, while UK officials warn any EU rules would still affect British exporters selling into the single market.