Mars bars to carry 'suitable for vegetarians' label

Mars will describe some of its chocolate as “suitable for vegetarians” on product packs.

But it dropped plans to get Vegetarian Society accreditation because it uses battery eggs in Mars bars.

The confectionery giant today said Mars bars, Snickers, Galaxy and Maltesers would carry the “suitable for vegetarians” phrase based on Food Standards Agency (FSA) labelling guidance.

It follows the firm’s recent u-turn over plans to use traces of animal rennet in some chocolate and ice cream.

An outcry from vegetarians forced Mars to revert to its previous recipe.

Mars was in talks with the Vegetarian Society over gaining accreditation to use the group’s green V logo on its products.

Instead, it will use the “suitable for vegetarians” phrase on the four chocolate snacks from the beginning of next year.

A Mars spokesman said: “We believe introducing our scheme based on the FSA guidance provides us with the best solution as the FSA is a respected independent authority who we look to for all of our guidance of food labelling and food safety.”

The Vegetarian Society said Mars had been unable to meet its criteria which state that all eggs used in products bearing its V logo are free range.

Annette Pinner, CEO of the Vegetarian Society, said: “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 Mars vegetarian labelling will appear on the back of product packs where nutritional information and ingredients are also listed.