LONDON, UK, May 9, 2008: British Airways has taken beef off the menu for economy passengers amid concerns about its “religious restrictions”. BA’s second-biggest long-haul market is to India, where the majority Hindu population do not eat beef because of their beliefs.
The decision to scrap the nation’s favourite fare was described as a “great shame” by the English Beef and Lamb Executive, formerly part of the Meat and Livestock Commission. A spokesman said: “It is regrettable that Britain’s flag carrier is not proposing to serve Britain’s national dish.
The Hindu Council UK said: “The Hindu community will welcome this decision and the news it has been made partly because Hindus don’t eat beef. “Hindus have a great deal of respect for British culture. That said, Hindus are tolerant of the beliefs of others and do not expect everyone to stop eating a food because they do not eat it.”
BA also said that cost is not a reason for the decision to stop serving beef.