Ketchup and mayonnaise sachets could be banned as Labour gets cosy with EU
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Ketchup and mayonnaise sachets could be banned under Andy Burnham's push to cosy up with the European Union.
Brussels is banning the sale of single-serving plastic sachets or containers of ketchup, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, oil and vinegar.
But cafes and restaurants across the UK could be forced to follow suit, with a consultation on alignment being planned.
The ban is already being implemented in Northern Ireland, because of post-Brexit rules that mean it must follow some EU rules.
Environment Minister Emma Hardy made the admission in response to a written question from Tory MP Mike Wood.
She said: 'The EU's ban on the sale or provision of single-serving sachets or containers of ketchup, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, oil and vinegar will apply in Northern Ireland under the Winsor framework but will not apply in the rest of the UK under EU-reset. A consultation regarding UK alignment is being planned.'
Mr Wood, a shadow Cabinet Office minister, criticised the move.
He told the Mail: 'We've seen the Government's approach to these EU negotiations is to give way on absolutely everything that adds to the flavour of British life.
The EU is banning the sale of single-serving plastic sachets or containers of ketchup, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, oil and vinegar
'But now obviously they are giving away the flavour of our sausage sandwiches as well.'
The Conservatives have said they would not be bound by anything that Labour gives away in its negotiations.
The EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which came into force in August, takes full effect from the beginning of 2030.
It also bans single-use shampoo and shower gel bottles used by hotels, as well as single-use plastic packaging for unprocessed fresh fruit and vegetables.
An estimated 855 billion plastic sachets are sold every year, enough to cover the entire surface of Earth, according to campaign group A Plastic Planet.
A Government source said the consultation was not part of the ongoing EU reset talks.
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