Source: www.timeslive.co.za
SOUTH AFRICA, November 22, 2009: Last week the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) found that Wimpy’s claim that the burger was 100% vegetarian was untrue. Wimpy is the brand name of a chain of fast-food hamburger restaurants based in the United Kingdom.
The found followed a complaint by a consumer, Heather Pansegrouw, who said the chain’s claim was false, as it fried onions on the same grill as the meat. The ASA ruled that Wimpy should alter its recipe so that the burger was 100% vegetarian. In its response, Wimpy said that after the complaint, it had removed the vegetarian burger, as well as the 100% vegetarian logo, from its menu.
“I think the consumer must be fully aware. If it says that it is vegetarian, then it should be prepared in a vegetarian manner,” said Kovilan Ramsamy of the Advertising Standards Authority. He called on fast-food outlets to prepare their vegetarian dishes separately and independent of meat dishes, adding it was important to some Hindus. “The Jewish community eats only kosher meals and will go to those restaurants which prepare only kosher dishes. Restaurants are very particular in presenting a meal to a Jewish patron. The Hindu community must be given the same respect.”