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August 2003
Vegetarianism – There’s nothing fishy about it!
TV presenter Wendy Turner
Webster and MP Tony Banks have joined forces with The Vegetarian Society
to launch a brand new campaign to increase
awareness that vegetarians don’t eat fish.
The ‘Fishconception’ Campaign
has been developed in response to a common experience reported by many
vegetarians trying to order vegetarian
food when eating out. A survey carried out by The Vegetarian Society
revealed that a shocking 85% of vegetarians have visited eating establishments
that are labouring under the misconception that vegetarians eat fish.
Clearly this myth needs to be debunked, so The Vegetarian Society - a
registered educational charity - is taking the helm and steering caterers
in the right direction.
Tony Banks MP described the defining moment in his path to vegetarianism:
“ Until quite recently I myself was what The Vegetarian Society refers
to as a ‘pesky-vore’! I haven’t eaten the kind of animals that
moo, baa, oink or fly for years, but it wasn’t until I went on a fishing
trip and held what was due to become my dinner in my own hands that I realised
that the beautiful creature destined for my plate was every bit as much of a
living, feeling animal as any cow, sheep, pig or chicken. I’ve been a vegetarian
ever since and I commend The Vegetarian Society for highlighting the need for
everyone to understand exactly what that means.”
The Society has commissioned
an advertising campaign in food trade press that pokes fun at establishments
whose ‘vegetarian’ menus
imply that fish is a vegetable. To send the message out further a ‘calling
card’, giving the definition of vegetarian and details about a
free caterers’ advice pack, has been produced for consumers to
give to eateries who offer meals containing fish as a vegetarian option.
The cards can be given to the chef or manager, or left discreetly on
the table.
To obtain a free set of the calling cards please email fishcampaign@vegsoc.org or
phone The Vegetarian Society on 0161 925 2000.
Notes for editors
- FISH – “a cold blooded animal, living wholly in water” (Oxford
English Dictionary)
- For results of the Fishconception Survey and more information about
the Fishconception Campaign please visit www.vegsoc.org or contact
Kerry on 0161 925 2012 email kerry@vegsoc.org
- HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE FISHCONCEPTION LAUNCH ARE AVAILABLE
FREE OF CHARGE AT www.newscast.co.uk (Tel.
020 7608 1000)
- Photographs featured in
the advertising campaign and images of the ‘Fishconceptions’ calling
cards are available from Kerry in the Press Office on 0161 925 2012,
email kerry@vegsoc.org
- Outside office hours The Vegetarian Society Press Office can be contacted
on 07973 108 165. Alternatively visit the website for information about
vegetarian nutrition, products, eateries, cookery courses and recipes
at www.vegsoc.org
- The Vegetarian Society defines a vegetarian as a person who eats
no meat, poultry, game, fish, shellfish or crustacea. Vegetarians also
avoid the by-products of slaughter such as gelatine or animal rennet
in cheese. The Society only approves products containing eggs when
they are free-range.
- The Vegetarian Society
thanks Redwoods Wholefoods for providing fish-free food at the launch
event. For more information about Redwoods ‘Making
Waves’ fish-free products please contact Tracey Williams on 01225
723237.
- To find out more about
why vegetarians don’t eat fish please
visit PETA’s informative website, www.fishinghurts.com
Date for your diary: NATIONAL
VEGETARIAN WEEK 2004 : May 24th – 30th
Press
Officer press@vegsoc.org
For the latest Vegetarian Society press releases visit www.vegsoc.org
The Vegetarian Society
Direct line - 0161 925 2012
Fax 0161 926 9182
Registered Charity: 259358
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