Ketchup, mayonnaise and other sauce sachets could soon disappear from pubs, cafes, and restaurants across the UK.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham and the Government are considering a ban on single-use plastic condiment sachets following similar environmental rules introduced by the European Union (EU).
The EU will ban single-use plastic packaging for condiments in the catering sector from January 2030 to reduce “unnecessary” waste.
This ban will also apply in Northern Ireland due to post-Brexit arrangements requiring alignment with some EU regulations.
Death I didn't see coming this year, government to kill off ketchup sachets. Burnham really has some odd priorities considering state of country, when so many can't even afford take-away or fastfood treat 🙄 https://t.co/56lRsCY649
— LostInFilms🎬 (@Lost_In_Films_) November 4, 2026
Government considering banning sauce sachets in the UK
There are currently no plans to introduce the ban in the rest of the UK, but that could change.
Emma Hardy, a minister at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), confirmed the Government is exploring the idea in response to a written question from Conservative shadow cabinet office minister Mike Wood.
Ms Hardy, via The Independent, 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 Windsor framework but will not apply in the rest of the UK under EU-reset.
"A consultation regarding UK alignment is being planned."
The EU's ban on single-use plastic packaging explained
The EU’s new rules are part of a wider push to reduce packaging waste and promote a circular, sustainable economy.
The regulations aim to make all packaging in the EU recyclable by 2030, increase the use of recycled plastics, and reduce reliance on raw materials.
Key measures include:
- A ban on certain single-use plastics, such as condiment sachets
- A requirement for takeaway businesses to let customers use their own containers at no extra cost.
The rules also limit the use of harmful substances in packaging, including restrictions on PFAS chemicals in food contact materials.
Do you think condiment sachets (single-use plastic) should be banned in the UK? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.
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