BBC employees are fuming after their staff canteen banned meat from its menu on Mondays - with workers accusing the corporation of 'forcing its agenda' on them.

An internal message revealed 'meat free Mondays' will be introduced this week at the BBC North staff restaurant in Quay House in MediaCity, Salford.

The intranet memo says the change has been introduced for environmental and health reasons.

Chefs, staff were told, are 'prepared to whip up some delicious meat-free alternatives' for 'carnivore' staff members.

The canteen in MediaCity in Salford, Greater Manchester, is set to ban meat from its menu (stock photo)

Earlier in the week, BBC Sport presenter Will Perry said that Meat Free Mondays were being 'forced upon us next week'

But the change has sparked an angry backlash, with some of the 2,300 workers accusing the corporation of 'forcing its agenda' on staff without any consultation.

A petition believed to have been signed by around 200 members of staff criticising the move is expected to be handed in to BBC North bosses.

Will Perry, a presenter at BBC Sport, revealed the news on his Twitter feed earlier in the week.

He said: 'Any burger companies want to set up outside Media City for Meat Free Mondays which are being forced upon us next week? Surely an April Fools!'

Simon Foat, a producer on BBC 5 Live Sport replied to Mr Perry's tweet by writing: 'Shambles.'

Libby Dawes, a journalist at BBC Sport, added: 'How to cause a riot in the BBC Sport offices: Announce a permanent 'Meat-free Mondays' in the staff canteen...'

The BBC has said that staff are still allowed to purchase meat from other restaurants and outlets in the surrounding area - or bring it in from home.

New meat free menus for Mondays have also been shared with staff.

One BBC staffer said he would be 'taking my money elsewhere. Not just on a Monday, but everyday'.

Another who responded to the memo added: 'Absolutely ridiculous. Collective outrage from staff here.

'Where's our choice? For a canteen that boasts about variety and options for all, this completely undermines that. Not happy at all. Was anyone consulted on this idea?'

Another poster stressed dietary requirements. She added: 'I find this totally discriminatory against meat eaters.

'How dare my employer dictate like this to me. I have a dietary problem, don't like tofu, have problems with milk and cheese.

'I have read the menu and quite clearly I will be unable to eat in the canteen on Monday. Oh well. Booths here I come.'

Another worker said: 'This is ridiculous. You should give everyone the choice and not enforce this agenda on your staff, many of whom will have different dietary requirements.

'Given that the canteen often boasts on its posters how locally-sourced its ingredients are, I can't see it benefitting the Amazon rainforest that much.'

The canteen at the BBC's HQ at MediaCity in Salford (pictured) will be banning meat on Mondays from next week

Journalist Libby Dawes joked that the introduction of 'Meat-free Mondays' could cause a 'riot' in the BBC Sport offices

The memo - sent out by BBC North Internal Communications and posted on the internal staff intranet - says: 'Why are we doing this?

'Well, to put it simply, it's good for the environment. Skipping meat on the menu just for one day a week can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water use and land use.'

It quotes official sources and studies about agriculture-related carbon, methane and nitrous oxide emissions and land loss in rain forests caused by meat production.

The BBC also stressed the heath benefits.

Their message added: 'A plant based diet often reduces the intake of saturated fat, animal hormones, and cholesterol while increasing the intake of fresh fruits and veggies.

'That has the potential to reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, obesity and heart disease,' the message to staff adds.

The BBC said the policy related specifically to what is sold at the canteen on Mondays only.

Staff can still bring in any food they want or buy it from other outlets at MediaCityUK.

After announcing in 2004 that they would be creating roles in Manchester, the Beeb uses its North West offices for BBC Sport, Breakfast and children's shows.

A BBC spokesman told MailOnline: 'We're surprised the MailOnline is in a stew about the menu at our Salford canteen.

'Some of our favourites are Wednesday Roasts and Fish and Chip Fridays.'

Meat Free Mondays is a campaign which was launched by Sir Paul McCartney along with his daughters in 2009.

On the campaign's official website, it says: 'Meat Free Monday is a not-for-profit campaign which aims to raise awareness of the detrimental environmental impact of eating meat, and to encourage people to help slow climate change, preserve precious natural resources and improve their health by having at least one meat free day each week.'