February 2004 Vegetarianism – There’s nothing fishy about it! A recent survey carried out by The Vegetarian Society revealed that a staggering 85% of vegetarians have visited eating establishments that think vegetarians eat fish! Clearly this is a fishconception that needs to be addressed. Everyone wants to trust food prepared by someone else – and vegetarians are no exception. Finding out that the person preparing your meal thinks a vegetarian eats fish undermines confidence and can spoil social events. It is also losing ill-informed eateries an estimated £1 billion worth of business every year. To help solve this problem and to help caterers, friends and families understand what vegetarians do and do not eat, The Vegetarian Society has extended its successful ‘Fishconception’ calling card scheme. The free (and funny) calling cards can be given to anyone who would find the definition of a vegetarian useful – most people these days will probably find themselves feeding a few veggies from time to time. The cards are being distributed to vegetarians free, through specialist publications and are also available direct from The Vegetarian Society. Call 0161 925 2000 or email fishes@vegsoc.org 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 •Humorous photographs of misguided people ‘growing’ fish 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. •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 return to archive 2004 index