May 2004

National Vegetarian Week 24th - 30th May 2004

START THE DAY WITH A POLITICAL BANGER

MPs will celebrate National Vegetarian Week 2004 (24-30 May) by tucking into vegetarian sausages. The House of Commons catering department are once again actively participating in this week-long initiative but have expanded the range to include vegetarian sausages for the early risers.

Vegetarian Labour MP, Tony Banks welcomes the healthy additions to the menu and said, ‘I know that I will be rising early to get my bangers’

The House of Commons Vegetarian range is normally varied and exciting, but the wider variety being promoted in support of National Vegetarian week will no doubt be welcomed. Members will be able to dine on

  Warm Salad of Grilled Asparagus with Orange Dressing
  Pan-Fried Tofu with Roasted Peppers and Spicy Tomato Sauce
  Bombay Potatoes with roasted cashew nuts in Pitta Bread with Guacamole and
    Sour Cream
  Young Vegetable Fricassée
  Red Onion and Goats Cheese Tartlets
  Stir-Fried Vegetables in Crisp ‘Pate a Bric’ Hat with Hoi-Sin Dressing

Tony Banks praised the House of Commons Catering department for providing healthy tasty menu options and particularly for the inclusion of vegetarian cheese. Mr Banks said, ‘It’s no longer acceptable to produce non meat dishes with no thought for their ingredients or production. I am pleased to see that the House of Commons are taking this seriously and ensuring that the food is free from animal derivatives’.

Tony Banks added, ‘Whilst I am confident that the Commons catering department are offering 100% vegetarian foods, this sadly cannot be said for the general food and catering world. Many of the 3 million UK vegetarians are not confident in what they are eating - 86% of vegetarians have been offered fish as a ‘vegetarian option’ – how can vegetarians (who don’t eat any animals!) be sure that they are not also being given cheese made with animal rennet, animal fat or gelatine in their food?’
More follows

Tony Banks MP has tabled an Early Day Motion to coincide with National Vegetarian Week, which calls for clear honest labeling on foods and menus and draws attention to the Food Standard Agency (FSA) acknowledgment that ‘current labeling leads to confusion and mistrust’.

Mr Banks concluded, ‘We do not expect everyone to turn vegetarian overnight but would like to see consumers having the opportunity to make informed choices. I am particularly looking forward to enjoying the special vegetarian menu on offer at the House of Commons throughout the week and note that CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) are also supporting National Vegetarian Week by promoting Beers and Ales which are suitable for vegetarians’.

ends

NOTES for EDITORS

A vegetarian diet is the easiest way to meet the Government’s recommended five portions of fruit and veg a day.

This year’s awareness week comes just as the Food Standard Agency’s is consulting on its Strategic Plan for 2005-2010. The Strategy aims to give the consumer access to clear and honest labeling - enabling shoppers to make informed choice.

MPs will be joined by schools and colleges, community groups, pubs, restaurants, all sorts of businesses and 3 million individual vegetarians across the UK in celebrating National Vegetarian Week 2004.

For further information on National Vegetarian Week or any aspect of vegetarianism, please contact the Vegetarian Society Press Office:

Kerry: 0161 925 2012, 07973 108 165 kerry@vegsoc.org
Liz: 0161 925 2013, 07973 108 167 liz@vegsoc.org

Alternatively visit the website for lots more information at www.vegsoc.org

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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