[113] in Vegetarian_Support_Group
vegetarian food labeling system
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Michael L. Jacknis)
Wed Jul 13 20:01:16 1994
To: meal@MIT.EDU, emery@MIT.EDU
Cc: robmcb@MIT.EDU, mcneill@MIT.EDU, vsg-summer@MIT.EDU, vsg@MIT.EDU
Date: Wed, 13 Jul 94 20:00:42 EDT
From: Michael L. Jacknis <mjacknis@MIT.EDU>
The three-symbol vegetarian menu labeling program is very helpful. May I
suggest that a fourth symbol be added to the system -- a black star or
diamond, to indicate that there are animal by-products or chemically changed
animal-based additives in the food.
Under this system, many cheese products, currently labeled with a blue square
or a red dot, would also be labeled with a black star, because of enzymes,
rennet or other products used in the manufacure of the cheese that came
originally from animals.
For example, upon calling the 800 customer service number for Kraft American
Cheese, I was informed that the "enzymes" listed in the ingredients came from
beef.
The following methods can be used to determine whether the products should be
labeled in this category:
1. Contact the manufacturer and ask.
2. Look in the ingredients for enzymes, rennet, tallow, stearates, gelatin,
etc. A more complete list is available, perhaps in the Vegetarian Support
Group's electronic files (I'll have to check.)
The following methods can be used to determine if the product does not fall
into this category:
1. It is a dairy product and is labeled Kosher, because Kosher products do
not contain meat substances mixed with dairy substances.
2. The product specifically says so.
Perhaps the symbol logic should be reversed -- instead of a black diamond to
indicate the presence of these products, an orange check mark can indicate
their absence. There are pros and cons to each approach.
-- Mike
