August 2007

Positive Steps by Mars Fall Short of Approval

The Vegetarian Society welcomes the recent announcement by Masterfoods regarding its new vegetarian labelling system for Mars confectionery products and recognises this as a positive step. However the Society is disappointed that, due to the use of battery eggs in the iconic Mars Bar, Masterfoods were unable to proceed with The Vegetarian Society’s accreditation.

The Society’s independent accreditation scheme – the seedling symbol – is the gold standard of vegetarian suitability and the most widely recognised and trusted of its kind thanks to its strict criteria. One of the criteria for approval by the Society is that any eggs used in a product must be free range and Mars are unable to fulfil this.

Annette Pinner Chief Executive Officer at The Vegetarian Society commented, “We are pleased that Masterfoods has recognised the importance of labelling to its vegetarian customers and are happy to remain in dialogue with the manufacturer. However it is important for consumers to recognise the difference between minimum vegetarian standards and the higher criteria associated with The Vegetarian Society approval.”

The Vegetarian Society Seedling Symbol was first registered as an official trademark in 1969 and is the only vegetarian symbol which is legally governed by a trademark licence agreement.

NOTES TO EDITORS

• For more information please contact Su in the Press Office on 0161 925 2012 or email su@vegsoc.org

• Outside office hours The Vegetarian Society Press Office can be contacted on 07973 108 165/ 7. Alternatively visit the website for lots more information at www.vegsoc.org

• Not all Mars products are suitable for vegetarians consumers should look at www.masterfoodsconsumercare.co.uk/veg_prodlst.asp for more information.