Post by AnimalAvenger on May 2, 2009 3:33:34 GMT -5
www.metro.co.uk/news/article.html?Most_bread_not_fit_for_vegetarians&in_article_id=636820&in_page_id=34
Most bread sold in shops is not fit for vegetarians because it is baked using animal products, food campaigners say.
At least 90 per cent of loaves are made with additives which could include enzymes from the pancreas of pigs.
These are used to speed up the baking process.
But because they are destroyed during cooking, bakers are not required to list them as ingredients, according to the Real Bread Campaign group.
These claims cast doubt on the vegetarian status of pre-packaged and in-store bakery bread, said Philip Lowery, director of the campaign, which represents local and organic bakers.
'This is a significant issue for vegetarians, vegans and Muslims, whom I believe would be outraged if they knew this was in their bread,' he added.
'We have written to the industrial bakers, asking them to voluntarily label their bread or stop using these additives, but have yet to get a reply.'
Campaign organisers are offering the public warning stickers to put on bread and urging them to sign a petition against additive use.
The Federation of Bakers, which represents makers of leading brands such as Warburtons, Hovis and Kingsmill, said consumers need not worry.
'UK bakers have nothing to hide. All wrapped bread produced in the UK is clearly labelled and strictly adheres to EU legislation,' said director Gordon Polson.
Most bread sold in shops is not fit for vegetarians because it is baked using animal products, food campaigners say.
At least 90 per cent of loaves are made with additives which could include enzymes from the pancreas of pigs.
These are used to speed up the baking process.
But because they are destroyed during cooking, bakers are not required to list them as ingredients, according to the Real Bread Campaign group.
These claims cast doubt on the vegetarian status of pre-packaged and in-store bakery bread, said Philip Lowery, director of the campaign, which represents local and organic bakers.
'This is a significant issue for vegetarians, vegans and Muslims, whom I believe would be outraged if they knew this was in their bread,' he added.
'We have written to the industrial bakers, asking them to voluntarily label their bread or stop using these additives, but have yet to get a reply.'
Campaign organisers are offering the public warning stickers to put on bread and urging them to sign a petition against additive use.
The Federation of Bakers, which represents makers of leading brands such as Warburtons, Hovis and Kingsmill, said consumers need not worry.
'UK bakers have nothing to hide. All wrapped bread produced in the UK is clearly labelled and strictly adheres to EU legislation,' said director Gordon Polson.
