University students and staff have questioned the fairness of imposing a campus-wide meat ban that could see 75% of meals wiped off menus.

It was revealed yesterday that the University of Kent’s student union has voted overwhelmingly to lobby for all outlets dishing up food to go 100% plant-based.

At one cafe on UKC’s Canterbury campus it would mean 12 of the 16 food items – including fry-ups and burgers – being ditched.

While the move has been supported by a majority of 450 Kent Union members, some critics argue it goes against the ethos of inclusivity.

First-year PhD candidate Stephanie Dangelo told KentOnline that while she sees the environmental benefits of veganism, she believes the campus should continue to offer a broad selection of foods.

“It should be a mix - not all vegan or no vegan options,” she said.

“It’s not necessarily a bad thing, because veganism is technically better for the planet, but some people need the animal by-products - iron deficiency and all that stuff.

“And I think it’s not really fair because the whole point of the university campus is inclusivity for all, so you can’t really cater to only one specific group. “

Some staff members agree that the student union decision may have gone too far, and have pointed out that customers with food intolerance may be left with even fewer options to choose from.

Dr Gail Austen works as a post-doctoral research assistant in the School of Anthropology and Conservation.

“It’s a great notion and a great thought going forward for sustainability, but it shouldn’t be vegan-only options,” said Dr Austen.

“The reality is that a lot of people have a lot of different food intolerances and allergies and just vegan choice doesn’t really cater to everyone.”

Food options on the university campus in Canterbury are spread across a number of establishments including cafeterias, cafes and street food stalls.

Many of them will have to make significant changes to their menus in order to comply with a 100% plant-based diet.

The Gulbenkian Cafe in the campus’ Arts Centre, for example, serves a variety of brunch and lunchtime options, but 12 of the 16 meals would have to be cut as they contain animal by-products.

These include a Gulbenkian Breakfast with sausages and bacon, and a sweet chilli chicken burger.

The meat-free campaign is being led by Plant-Based Universities Kent, which wants a vegan-only menu by 2027.

Campaigner Chris Chudley, 22, said yesterday: "We are completely overwhelmed by the support we have received from students to pass this motion calling for plant-based catering at Kent.

“It is a relief to see our university acknowledging the student body in calling for this necessary transition towards a safe and secure food system.

“Our campaign will maintain its presence and continue to lobby the university, and take non-violent direct action where necessary, to ensure the student’s vote is honoured and that affordable, nutritious, and delicious plant-based menus are made available as soon as possible.”

A spokesperson for UKC, which has campuses in Canterbury and Medway, said: "We currently have a number of schemes designed to cater for and support plant-based diets of our students and staff, including our plant-based loyalty scheme and daily plant-based meal deal option at the Rutherford dining hall.

“Together with Kent Union we share a commitment to a more sustainable future - at the University, and beyond – and look forward to discussing this proposal with them further as part of our ongoing discussions on how we can achieve this vision."