CONSUMER CHALLENGE
Does anyone know a good reason to eat meat?

The Society is confident that there is not a single justifiable reason to continue to eat meat and that producing a list of 50 reasons to eat meat is unachievable. In order to allow a free and open discussion on the benefits or disadvantages of eating meat, the Society is prepared to dedicate a full page in its own publication 'The Vegetarian' on the merits of eating meat. This page will consist of letters and correspondence received from the public and organisations on reasons to eat meat. This will be published in the Winter issue of The Vegetarian, published in November.

"This is a genuine challenge. We want meat eaters to find good reasons to eat meat and we will even publicise them in our own magazine! This is an indication of how confident we are that the vegetarian diet makes perfect sense.

Eating meat isn't worth the risk. It is becoming an increasingly illogical choice of diet. If you really care about animals, your health and the future of our environment, vegetarianism is the only option. World Vegetarian Day is a chance for more people to discover why vegetarianism is such a winning diet" said Chris Dessent, Head of Public Affairs for The Vegetarian Society.

Meat eaters wanting to submit reasons to eat meat can do so by faxing: 0161 926 9182, e-mail: info@vegsoc.org or send letters to Meaty Challenge, The Vegetarian Society, Parkdale, Dunham Road, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 4QG. The closing date is October 25th.

The Society is prepared to answer any letters and queries from the public on vegetarianism. Any member of the public contacting the society with a reason to eat meat will receive a free vegetarian recipe booklet from the Society, along with a list of 50 reasons to go vegetarian.

In celebration of World Vegetarian Day (October 1st) and World Day for Farm Animals (October 2nd), staff and members of The Vegetarian Society will be taking part in a fundraising ascent of Ben Nevis over the weekend of 1st - 3rd October.

Notes to editors:

* The Society has compiled a news summary of recent issues affected the meat industry. Please see attached list. The list provides further evidence that eating meat isn't worth the risk to your health or the environment.

For further information, please contact the press office on 0161 925 2000, out of office hours 0973 108 167.

Consumer Challenge - September 20
1. Does anyone know a good reason to eat meat?
2. 50 Reasons why it makes sense to be a vegetarian
3. Background notes on issues affecting the meat industry over the past twelve months