Irish vegetarians set for choc horror
The makers of Mars, Twix and Snickers have started to manufacture confectionery with whey containing animal rennet.
Previously, sweets from makers Masterfoods were suitable for a meat-free diet as the rennet was vegetarian but the company has switched to suppliers using animal rennet.
Products with a “best before” date of October 1 or after are affected by the switch although Masterfoods said confectionery with dates before then were suitable for vegetarians.
Yesterday vegetarian campaigners in Ireland said the move by Masterfoods was a backwards step as the company’s treats had previously been acceptable for consumers who choose to shun meat.
“It’s a real shame that these products contain meat. People are getting more careful in what they eat and want meat-free products,” said Bridget Healy, who owns Cork’s award-winning vegetarian restaurant, Café Paradiso.
Vegetarian campaigners in Britain, where Masterfoods has a massive confectionery plant, are so unhappy over the step that they have begun lobbying the US-owned food giant to change its mind.
Britain’s Vegetarian Society described the decision by Masterfoods as “incomprehensible”.
“Masterfoods is using animal products when all these confectionery items have previously been produced using vegetarian alternatives,” said a society spokesman.
“It is disappointing that Masterfoods products are no longer vegetarian friendly. We hope they will reconsider,” he added.
Masterfoods said it started using animal rennet in its lines from May 1 and could not guarantee all its confectionery would be free from meat by-products. Spokesman Paul Goalby said the firm deserved credit for being up front with consumers about the ingredients of its confectionery.
“If the customer is an extremely strict vegetarian then we are sorry the products are no longer suitable but a less-strict vegetarian should enjoy our chocolate,” he added.
* www.masterfoodsconsumercare.co.uk
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