22 May 2007


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Mars backtracks on recipe change after vegetarian protests over whey

Mars

confectionery

vegetarian

Mars UK has reversed its decision to change the whey it uses to make its chocolate after a storm of protest from vegetarians.

Mars was inundated with more than 6,000 calls and emails after it made the switch last week.

The latest decision means that its Mars bars, Snickers bars, Maltesers, and Galaxy brands will once again be suitable for vegetarians.

Fiona Dawson, managing director of the Mars snackfood business in the UK, said: “We had lots of feedback from consumers who were unhappy about the change.

“It became very clear, very quickly that we had made a mistake, for which I am sorry. There are three million vegetarians in the UK and not only did we disappoint them but we upset lots of other consumers.

“We have listened to their views and have decided to reverse our decision.”

Mars UK announced last week that they were changing the source of whey they use for their chocolate products manufactured in the UK from a vegetarian-friendly variety to one which contains traces of rennet, an animal enzyme.

It led to protests from vegetarian campaigners and the Mars customer care team in the UK was swamped, receiving more than 6,000 calls and emails about the issue – the normal rate is 500 a week. Over 40 MPs signed a petition to voice their disquiet.

Dawson added: “We took the original decision in order to broaden our supply base to ensure the availability of our supply, but we underestimated the impact this would have.”

Mars UK will begin changing its recipes immediately in order to change back to the vegetarian-friendly whey.

Vegetarian Society chief executive Dr Annette Pinner: "We are very pleased that they now recognise the importance of integrity to all their customers, especially vegetarians.

"We cannot endorse any planned actions by the company until we receive detailed assurances about the ingredients and processes involved in production but we are delighted that Mars UK has been honest enough to mark the beginning of National Vegetarian Week by admitting that it made a mistake."

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