Legally require vegetarian and vegan food to be cooked and prepared separately

304
signatures
openDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural Affairsby Harriet Elizabeth HolfordOpened 7 April 2026

Background

Legally require all vegetarian and vegan foods in food establishments to be cooked and prepared separately from meat. We believe legal standards are needed to protect people with allergies, medical conditions, or ethical/religious diets and prevent misleading claims.

Additional details

There is currently no law preventing foods labelled vegetarian or vegan from being cooked or fried in the same oils, on the same grills, or with the same utensils as meat. In our view, this can cause cross-contamination and make customers believe they are meat-free when they are not. We believe legal standards must require separate preparation and cooking, protecting consumers and ensuring labels are truthful, with clear rules for food establishments and restored confidence in vegetarian and vegan labelling.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.

Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 763352.