UK considers banning condiment sachets to align with EU rules

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 11:15 · Archive

The government is planning a consultation on banning single-use plastic sachets of ketchup, mayonnaise and other condiments, following EU environmental rules.

The UK government is planning a consultation on whether to ban single-use plastic sachets of ketchup, mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, sugar and oil from restaurants and cafes, aligning with European Union rules on environmental grounds.

The EU's ban on such single-serving containers is already being implemented in Northern Ireland under post-Brexit arrangements known as the Windsor framework, which requires the region to follow some EU rules. The restriction will take full effect across the EU from January 2030. Environment minister Emma Hardy confirmed in a written parliamentary response to Conservative MP Mike Wood that a consultation regarding alignment with this ban is being planned for the rest of the UK.

Campaigners supporting the move point to environmental concerns. An estimated 855 billion sachets are used globally every year, many of which are thrown away without being opened. In 2020, estimates suggested more than 150 million tonnes of plastic waste polluted the world's oceans, with around a million birds and over 100,000 sea mammals dying annually from eating and getting tangled in plastic waste.

Mike Wood, a shadow cabinet office minister, criticised the potential ban in remarks to the Daily Mail. He said the government was giving away aspects that add 'to the flavour of British life' and accused them of also 'giving away the flavour of our sausage sandwiches' through broader EU negotiations.

The Daily Express reported that extending the ban to England, Scotland and Wales risks backlash from the hospitality sector, which continues to face pressure from surging energy bills, business rates and increases to the minimum wage. The Conservatives have said they would not be bound by anything Labour gives away in negotiations with the EU.

How it is being reported

• Ketchup sachets could be banned in British restaurants under new EU net zero lawsKetchup sachets could be outlawed in British restaurants under plans to align with the EU's new net zero laws, it has been revealed. Brussels' crackdown on single-use plastic - set to come into force across the bloc and Northern Ireland by 2030 - will also see packets of salt, pepper, mayonnaise and vinegar banned from tables. As part of Andy Burnham's push for a reset in relations with the EU, Labour ministers have expressed support in extending the continent's ban to all parts of Britain to achieve greater "alignment". Environment Minister Emma Hardy confirmed a public consultation over…GB News · 4 Nov, 12:04
• Andy Burnham could ban ketchup and mayo sachets to get closer to EUA consultation is being planned to extend the EU ban to England, Scotland and Wales.Daily Express · 4 Nov, 10:59
• Ketchup sauce sachets could be banned as Labour gets cosy with EUKetchup and mayonnaise sachets could be banned under Andy Burnham's push to cosy up with the European Union.Daily Mail · 3 Nov, 18:26
• Burnham considers ban on ketchup sachets from restaurants and cafesPackets are being outlawed in Northern Ireland under post-Brexit arrangementsThe Independent · 3 Nov, 16:50

In this story: Andy Burnham · Emma Hardy · Mike Wood · Northern Ireland · European Union · UK

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