Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney has joined a campaign to prevent the European Union from banning the use of terms such as ‘burger’ and ‘sausage’ for plant-based food products.
European Members of Parliament voted in October to reserve these names exclusively for meat products, with a decision from the European Commission currently pending as to whether the move is brought into law.
The 83-year-old musician is a long-term vegetarian, having co-founded the Meat Free Monday campaign in 2009 alongside his daughters, Mary and Stella. His late wife, Linda McCartney, who died of breast cancer in 1998, established a successful plant-based food brand in the 1990s, offering products including sausages and burgers.
Sir Paul told The Times of London: ‘To stipulate that burgers and sausages are “plant-based”, “vegetarian” or “vegan” should be enough for sensible people to understand what they are eating.
‘This also encourages attitudes which are essential to our health and that of the planet.’
A letter has been signed by the McCartney family and a cross-party group of UK MPs.
It stated: ‘Although the United Kingdom is no longer a member of the European Union, our markets, companies, consumers and regulatory conversations remain closely intertwined. Decisions taken at EU level continue to influence global norms, international trade and the direction of sustainable food innovation. We urge you not to adopt these restrictions as we are deeply concerned about the significant global impact they could have.’
Clarity for Consumers
Linda McCartney Foods carries Vegetarian Society-approved labels and these aim to provide clarity to consumers about the product they are purchasing.
Jenny Canham, spokesperson for the Vegetarian Society, said: ‘Terms like ‘burger’ and ‘sausage’ have been used for plant-based foods for decades and consumers clearly understand them.
‘These familiar terms let shoppers know exactly what products they’re buying and how to cook and enjoy them, they’re not misleading.
‘Clear and honest labelling is how we give people confidence in what they’re buying, not unnecessary terminology bans.’
Among the MPs who have added their name to the letter are former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Labour MP Irene Campbell and former Green Party co-leader Sian Berry.
They say that the ban could impose extra costs on producers, reduce competitiveness and damage climate progress as alternative proteins are emerging as a tool for cutting emissions.
The letter said the existing legislation ‘already protects consumers who understand and support current naming conventions’ adding that ‘new restrictions would undermine economic growth, sustainability goals and the EU’s own simplification agenda’.
Campbell added: ‘Increasing plant-based choices benefits people, animals and the planet, so 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.’
