European lawmakers may be about to skewer the doner kebab

Turkey's culinary version of an American hamburger may be about to get burnt, skewered, put through the mincer in Europe as lawmakers move to ban the phosphates used in the slabs of meat at the heart of the popular street food, USA TODAY reports.

Citing health concerns, the European Union's Parliament wants restrictions placed on the additive that is used to keep doner kebab meat juicy and flavorful. It says that studies have linked the use of phosphates in the lamb, mutton, beef or veal that goes into the grilled sandwich widely available in European cities to heart disease.

The Parliament's opposition to the use of phosphates follows a previous proposal by the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, to authorize use of the chemical. A rejection by the Parliament when it meets in two weeks would send the proposal back to the Commission — and keep the late-night snack enjoyed by millions in limbo.

The popular dish usually comes comes stuffed into pita bread with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onions and a range of dressings.