A 'pittaful-plan' that could put the 'kibosh' on kebabs has been debated by MEPs in the European Parliament in Strasbourg today.

Politicians discussed whether to veto a European Commission proposal to allow phosphates to be used in frozen kebab meat.

They are due to vote tomorrow and, if accepted, the favourite fast food of late-night revellers could be under threat.

The parliament's health committee has already voted to reject the use of phosphates, claiming there is evidence to link the consumption of the preservative with heart disease.

Phosphates are used to protect flavour and to keep meat moist.

Generally, they are not allowed under EU law, but exceptions are permitted on strict grounds.

The European Commission has said the use of phosphates in frozen kebab meat is necessary to protect the binding in the meat during roasting and thawing.

It has proposed changing the existing rules, to allow phosphates to be used in kebabs.

If MEPs vote to accept the recommendation from the health committee by an absolute majority (367 votes), the commission's plan will be skewered.

A 2012 scientific review showed a link between phosphate additives in food and cardiovascular risk, but the European Food Safety Authority has said it is not possible to attribute this risk to a phosphorus intake.