US fast food giant McDonald's seems likely to be the sole branded restaurant chain at the 2012 London Olympics, raising strong criticism from other restaurateurs.

The company, a main sponsor of the games, along with Coca-Cola which has exclusive rights to sell non-alcoholic drinks within the Olympic venues, is said to be in talks with the games organisers to ensure that it has the same exclusivity for meal provision. Under the arrangement, other food chains will only be able to sell their products on certain Olympic sites if they remove labels or change the packaging. Other venues will see existing restaurant and cafe owners having to make way for officially authorised providers for the duration of the games.

Critics of the move say that the food on offer at such a showcase should properly reflect regional foods and the ethnic mix of London itself. A spokesperson for McDonald's said: "At past Olympic Games we have been the branded food retailer but there have been other 'unbranded' products available."

A London 2012 spokesman said: "A full and diverse range of local food offerings will be available at the Olympic Park along with sponsor-branded restaurants and products."