Burger King is introducing its plant-based 'Whopper' burger to European customers, including in Ireland.

It comes after the US version of the meatless burger was banned here.

The company had to find a different supplier because the US one, 'Impossible Foods', has genetically modified ingredients.

These are not allowed under European Union rules.

However reports say 'Impossible Foods' lodged an application last month, and is awaiting a ruling from the European Food Safety Authority.

Instead, Dutch company 'The Vegetarian Butcher' will supply the new soy-based 'Rebel Whopper'.

Image: whopper.ie

The new burger will initially go on sale Tuesday at 2,400 restaurants.

'The Vegetarian Butcher' makes plant-based chicken, hot dogs, sausages and even tuna.

Its products are sold in over 4,000 outlets in 17 countries.

Consumer goods company Unilever bought 'The Vegetarian Butcher' at the end of 2018.

Jaap Korteweg, a ninth-generation meat farmer, became a vegetarian and founded the firm in 2007.

The company employs approximately 90 people.

Burger King first introduced its meatless whopper to US customers back in April.

The fast-food company operates more than 17,000 locations in more than 100 countries.