Single-serving sachets of ketchup, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, oil, and vinegar could face a ban in the United Kingdom, mirroring a European Union regulation. The potential ban comes as the UK government plans a consultation on aligning with EU rules, according to Environment Minister Emma Hardy.
This regulatory alignment is already in effect in Northern Ireland due to post-Brexit arrangements under the Windsor Framework. However, the ban is not currently set to apply to the rest of the UK. The EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which mandates this change, fully takes effect in the EU from the beginning of 2030.
Conservative MP Mike Wood criticized the move, suggesting it represents a concession by the Labour government in its negotiations with the EU, potentially impacting traditional British food items. "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," Wood stated. "But now obviously they are giving away the flavour of our sausage sandwiches as well."
A government source clarified that the planned consultation is separate from ongoing EU reset talks. The EU's PPWR also includes bans on single-use plastics for hotel amenities like shampoo and shower gel, as well as packaging for unprocessed fresh fruits and vegetables. Campaign group A Plastic Planet estimates that 855 billion plastic sachets are sold annually worldwide.