EU votes against banning key kebab additive

The European Parliament on Wednesday narrowly defeated plans to ban an additive that is considered key in industrial meats supplied for the popular doner kebab. Needing an absolute majority of at least 376 votes for a ban on phosphates, the legislature fell three votes short, AP reports. The vote was 373-272 with 30 abstentions. The doner kebab industry says it needs the phosphates to keep the frozen meat juicy, tender and tasty for consumption. Critics say that the phosphates were a health risk leading to cardiovascular diseases.