Overview
- Paul McCartney backed a letter from eight UK MPs urging the European Commission to reject restrictions on plant-based and lab-grown foods.
- The proposal is not yet law, with the Commission weighing the text this week and agreement with EU member states in the Council still required.
- MEPs voted 355–247 in October to reserve terms such as burger, sausage, steak and escalope for animal-derived products after lobbying by livestock interests.
- Amendment author Céline Imart says the names belong to livestock products and argues the change would protect farm heritage and consumer clarity, citing EU precedents on dairy labelling.
- Opponents including the Vegetarian Society say consumers understand labels like "veggie burger" and warn of added costs, reduced competitiveness and spillover effects for UK businesses despite Brexit.