A former Beatle has weighed in on EU proposals to remove words such as ’sausage’ and ‘burger’ from the packaging of non-meat foods.
New research from analysts YouGov has shown that over 90% of UK adults (92%) have never accidentally bought a plant-based sausage or burger believing it contained meat - or can’t recall doing so.
This undermines claims that such everyday terms like cause consumer confusion and now, a cross-party group of UK MPs has written to the European Commission urging it to reject proposals that would restrict the use of familiar food terms for plant-based products.
They warn that such restrictions would damage innovation, confuse shoppers and slow progress on climate goals - and their letter is formally supported by the McCartney family.
The European Commission may decide on the proposed restrictions later this week.
Paul McCartney said: “To stipulate that burgers and sausages are ‘plant-based,’ ‘vegetarian’ or ‘vegan’ should be enough for sensible people to understand what they’re eating. This also encourages attitudes which are essential to our health and that of the planet.”
The McCartney family has been central to promoting plant-based eating for more than three decades. Launched in 1991, Linda McCartney Foods is one of the UK’s most recognised meat-free brands, and since 2009 the family’s Meat Free Monday campaign has encouraged global audiences to reduce meat consumption for the benefit of animals, people, and the environment.
Jenny Canham, public affairs lead at the Vegetarian Society, added: “Terms like ‘burger’ and ‘sausage’ have been used for plant-based foods for decades and consumers clearly understand them. These familiar words help shoppers know exactly what they’re buying.
“Clear, honest labelling is what gives consumers confidence, not unnecessary terminology bans.”
“Clear, honest labelling, like the Vegetarian Society’s vegan, vegetarian and plant-based certifications, is what gives consumers confidence, not unnecessary terminology bans.
“Restricting these terms in the EU could cause confusion globally, slow sustainable food markets and make plant-based eating less accessible. At a time when ethical and sustainable choices matter more than ever, this is precisely the wrong direction.”
The letter is signed by MPs including Irene Campbell, Siân Berry, Jeremy Corbyn and Kerry McCarthy. Despite the UK no longer being an EU member, MPs warn that EU decisions continue to shape global norms, trade standards, and the future of sustainable food.
The MPs argue that the proposed ban is unnecessary and risks increasing confusion rather than reducing it, as well as imposing additional costs on producers.
Irene Campbell MP added: “Increasing plant-based choices benefits people, animals, and the planet. Discouraging these options makes little sense. I urge the European Commission to consider the wider impact of this proposal and to prioritise a future that supports plant-based choices rather than blocking them.”
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