Meal labelling / Airline catering- Hindu Unity Forum (HUF)

[leah briers]

Thanks for the clarification and in depth knowledge Sanjeev ji... if the labels are coded in international catering business I wonder how we can go about having these things clarified. A letter could be a good start, and perhaps we can discuss the approach at the HUF meeting on Sunday if everyone is agreeable.

Regards, Leah


<-----Original Message----->
>From: Sanjeev [sanb...@gmail.com]
>Sent: 4/22/2013 11:17:40 PM
>To: hinduco...@googlegroups.com
>Cc: hinduco...@googlegroups.com
>Subject: Re: [hinducouncil:77] PLEASE ATTEND - Sunday 28th APRIL 3pm - Hindu Unity
>Forum (HUF)
>
>Namaste
>Yes this is a matter of concern but I think airlines around generally follow
>similar practise
>There are different meals available for vegetarian needs
>The most suitable for Indians is
>AVML Asian vegetarian meal it was used to be called IVML Indian vegetarian meal
>before and don't know why it is changed may be because Nepalese Sri Lankan and
>other Asian countries are mor comfortable with Asian name then Indian but food is
>standard Indian curries
>Hindu meal is basically without beef to cater for non vegetarian meals also
>There are Jain meal option strict vegetarian also available in Singapore airlines
>Thai airways British airways and Indian carriers
>There is also option of vegans for vegetarians
>These things are coded in catering business as standard and used across the world
>Generally any airline flying into India will always have vegetarian option in main
>option even if you have not selected special meal
>Yes we can write to have more appropriate name to avoid confusion
>Make it Hindu vegetarian and Hindu non veg meals
>
>
>
>
>
>Sent from my iPhone
>
>On 22/04/2013, at 9:24 PM, "leah briers" <le...@mail2world.com> wrote:
>
>
>Thanks Mahavir ji,
>
>Its a very important point requiring clarification that you have experienced. I
>agree its important to educate organisations in these matters - particularly
>around clear and appropriate food labelling.
>
>It would be great to draft a letter of your experience , in collaboration with HCA
>to be sent out, perhaps to all airlines.
>
>With regards, Leah
>
>
><-----Original Message----->
>>From: Mahavir Arya [ada...@ol.com.au]
>>Sent: 4/21/2013 9:24:34 AM
>>To: hinduco...@googlegroups.com
>>Subject: RE: [hinducouncil:73] PLEASE ATTEND - Sunday 28th APRIL 3pm - Hindu
>Unity
>>Forum (HUF)
>>
>>Dear HCA Members
>>
>>Thanks for the invite and I&#8217ll try top attend.
>>
>>I also like to bring to your attention that recently I visited India through
>>Emirates. In the booking I requested for Hindu meals which I presume would be
>>purely vegetarian. I was shocked when it was served. On return I checked their
>>website and the following is the description of Hindu Meal.
>>
>>Hindu Meal (HNML)
>>This meal is available for members of the Hindu community who are not strictly
>>vegetarian and eat meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products.
>>It contains one or more of these ingredients: lamb, chicken, fish, eggs, milk,
>and
>>dairy products.
>>It does NOT contain beef.
>>
>>Description of other inflight meals as noted on Emirates website is attached.
>>
>>I suggest HCA writes to Emirates to rename Hindu Meal to Indian Non-Vegetarian
>>Meal and introduce additional Indian Vegetarian Meal. Word Hindu should be
>>dropped as there are many other vegetarian sects who are not Hindus. They have
>>Jain vegetarian meal which does not include vegetables grown in-ground such as
>>potatoes, refer attachment.
>>
>>This may or may not be appropriate a discussion point on 28 April 2013.
>>
>>Regards
>>Mahavir Arya
>>
>>From: hinduco...@googlegroups.com [mailto:hinduco...@googlegroups.com]
>>On Behalf Of leah briers
>>Sent: Sunday, 21 April 2013 8:33 AM
>>To: hinduco...@googlegroups.com; epp...@travelworld.com.au;
>>khi...@gmail.com; hala...@hotmail.com; bob_...@ramcharitmanasinstitute.org;
>>sharma...@gmail.com; jagd...@optusnet.com.au; em...@balesh.net;
>>anita...@hotmail.com; as...@dalal.biz; sa...@optusnet.com.au;
>>ra...@agromin.com.au; prasad...@optusnet.com.au; ravi...@gmail.com;
>>varsanidhanji@gmail..com; su...@mortgagehotlinensw.com; u2...@hotmail.com;
>>sanjeetsingh1@optusnet..com.au; pundi...@yahoo.com.au;
>>arvind...@optus.com.au; in...@muktigupteshwar.org;
>kp.s...@audit.nsw.gov..au;
>>drsgow...@gmail.com; bask...@hotmail.com; le...@mail2world.com;
>>nihal...@gmail.com; rajaja...@hotmail.com; sanb...@gmail.com;
>>sharma...@gmail.com; ramanb...@yahoo.com; bch...@yahoo.com.au;
>>bale...@gmail.com; sukhv...@gmail.com; SVas...@woolworths.com.au;
>>bhagwat...@yahoo.com; sharma...@gmail.com; anily...@gmail.com;
>>an...@age.com.au; sanjk...@yahoo.com.au; jayra...@yahoo.com.au;
>>nimes...@mediamonitors.com.au; ns...@fairfaxdigital.com.au;
>>hem...@yahoo.com.au; supr...@hotmail.com; bob....@randtronics.com;
>>sa...@optusnet.com.au; odhun...@bigpond.com; ssha...@ausgrid.com.au;
>>hala...@hotmail.com; prakas...@apa.com.au; shobha...@hotmail.com;
>>shiwa...@hotmail.com; kanti...@gmail.com; ajey....@gmail.com;
>>vijai_...@hotmail.com; mural...@hotmail.com; ambupa...@hotmail.com
>>Subject: [hinducouncil:72] PLEASE ATTEND - Sunday 28th APRIL 3pm - Hindu Unity
>>Forum (HUF)
>>
>>Dear HCA Members & Friends,
>>
>>Please join us for the next Hindu Unity Forum (HUF) on Sunday 28th April 3pm at
>>Auburn Centre for Community ( 44A Macquarie rd, Auburn).
>>
>>This forum will have a youth focus and we will be discussing the following agenda
>>points:
>>
>>* Hindu Youth Consultation Report Findings
>>
>>* Feedback from Youth Camp - HSS perspective and issues.
>>
>>* Youth networks
>>
>>* Planning for regular meeting / event to engage Youth
>>
>>* setting of regular meetings for the Youth Sub Committee (bi monthly?)
>>
>>* World Hindu Summit 2013,World Hindu Wisdom Meet in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia ,
>>in 14-17 June 2013
>>
>>
>>There will be also time for discussion , and getting to know the HUF members
>>network of Hindu community leaders..
>>
>>Please let us know if you would like to add anything to the agenda under general
>>business...
>>
>>Also attached is the summary of the last HUF meeting for your review.
>>
>>We look forward to see you on Sunday- could you kindly send your RSVP please.
>>
>>Regards,
>>
>>Leah Briers ( on behalf of HCA)
>>--
>>-- Thanks for supporting Hindu Council Australia.
>>For more info contact - www.hinducouncil.com.au
>>
>>The Hindu Council of Australia
>>17 The Crescent, Homebush NSW 2140
>>Phone : (02) 82504007
>>Fax : (02)82089810
>>
>>To post message to this group, send an email to hinduco...@googlegroups.com.
>>Access the group for online discussions at
>>https://groups.google.com/d/forum/hinducouncilaus
>>To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to
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>>---
>>You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Hindu
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>to
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>>For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
>>
>>
>>--
>>-- Thanks for supporting Hindu Council Australia.
>>For more info contact - www.hinducouncil.com.au
>>
>>The Hindu Council of Australia
>>17 The Crescent, Homebush NSW 2140
>>Phone : (02) 82504007
>>Fax : (02)82089810
>>
>>To post message to this group, send an email to hinduco...@googlegroups.com.
>>Access the group for online discussions at
>>https://groups.google.com/d/forum/hinducouncilaus
>>To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to
>>hinducouncila...@googlegroups.com.
>>---
>>You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Hindu
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>>To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email
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>>
>--
>-- Thanks for supporting Hindu Council Australia.
>For more info contact - www.hinducouncil.com.au
>
>The Hindu Council of Australia
>17 The Crescent, Homebush NSW 2140
>Phone : (02) 82504007
>Fax : (02)82089810
>
>To post message to this group, send an email to hinduco...@googlegroups.com.
>Access the group for online discussions at
>https://groups.google.com/d/forum/hinducouncilaus
>To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to
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>---
>You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Hindu
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>
>
>--
>-- Thanks for supporting Hindu Council Australia.
>For more info contact - www.hinducouncil.com.au
>
>The Hindu Council of Australia
>17 The Crescent, Homebush NSW 2140
>Phone : (02) 82504007
>Fax : (02)82089810
>
>To post message to this group, send an email to hinduco...@googlegroups.com.
>Access the group for online discussions at
>https://groups.google.com/d/forum/hinducouncilaus
>To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to
>hinducouncila...@googlegroups.com.
>---
>You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Hindu
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>

[Mahavir Arya]

Dear All

 

When I raised this issue I never thought that the issue is a wide spread issue and I am happy that HCA is looking into it. 

 

I agree that this require united and universal approach by writing to airlines and statutory controlling institution.  Let other Hindu (Indian) organisations are also aware of it and peruse at their own level as well.

 

In a similar fashion if we can label some of processed food as a vegetarian meal devoid of all animal products except milk.  We should ask communities to identify the products and we should write this to the companies and seeking support of State and federal controlling agencies.

 

See you all at the meeting.

>>Thanks for the invite and I’ll try top attend.

>kp.sharma@audit.nsw.gov..au;

[kanti Jinna]

We should also appreciate the fact that a lot of Hindus are now non vegetarians but abstain from beef and pork. This issue needs to be researched and well thought out before we ask for changes in the current scheme. I have asked for a vegetarian meal and they treated me to be someone with a whole host of ailments and it took me some time to get the airlines in this case Qantas to revert to what I eat.

many thanks

kanti

[Vijai Singhal]

Dear All,

This is all very fine. Good suggestions. Now we need someone to take the lead and draft out the letter to the Airlines. Collect comments from people interested in this aspect and then send it out under the Hindu Council Letterhead. Someone please come forward.

Regards,
Vijai Singhal

---

Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:11:33 +1000
Subject: Re: [hinducouncil:83] Meal labelling / Airline catering- Hindu Unity Forum (HUF)
From: kanti...@gmail.com
To: hinduco...@googlegroups.com

[Mahavir Arya]

Dear All

 

I am the culprit and I am happy to accept punishment.

 

Regards

Mahavir Arya

[kanti Jinna]

Its not being a culprit or deserving punishment. Please take the lead and ask us how we can assist. Collectively we can put an effort that could benefit "karore ke yatayat, sansar bhar me"

Best wishes Mahavirji.

kanti

[Vijai Singhal]

Mahavir ji,

Good on you. It is not the punshment but we do need people to help out with this social responsibility. It is not enough to point a finger and sit quiet. We are all working volunteerly. Nobody is being paid. So we all have to take some responsibility and share the load.

regards,
Vijai Singhal

---

Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:48:30 +1000
Subject: Re: [hinducouncil:87] Meal labelling / Airline catering- Hindu Unity Forum (HUF)

[Mahavir Arya]

Dear All

 

If I have blessings of all the seniors I’ll take this responsibility.

 

I’ll try to put my views on paper for discussion at the Sunday’s meeting.

 

Regards

Mahavir

[Mahavir Arya]

Dear All

 

I have prepared attached draft letters for IATA and Emirates.  Please review and provide your comments.  A final draft shall be available for discussion on Sunday, 28 April 2013.

 

Regards

Mahavir Arya

[kanti Jinna]

Dear Mahavirbhai and all,

I have just fiddled with the wording.

You may wish to amend it further before we send the letter to Emirates and IATA.

for your consideration.

best regards

kanti

 

[Sanjeev]

Namaste Mahavir Ji and Kanti Ji

Thanks for starting very good discussion on an important issue

Food labelling is an important issue for vegetarians  Hindus Jains and Sikhs for various reasons

Food labelling in supermarkets and provisioning of vegetarian food in public institutions like hospitals schools is important

But for current discussion I personally feel we have to be careful in making statement like Hindus only eat vegetarian food before having any solid statistics with us

Even Brahmins from Bengal Kerala and Kashmir have meat as their staple diet for various reasons 

Yes I agree word Hindu meal can be a misnomer but it has origin from 

Kosher the Jewish

Halal the Islamic

Jain meals

As we know Jains are strict vegetarian and don't eat even root vegetables

But other two are generally eat meat 

Hindus living abroad or flying more frequently do eat meat except beef and pork 

If we insist on making Hindu meal vegetarian then what term we will suggest for meat eating Hindus 

Or we don't care about that section of society which is increasing rapidly specially overseas 

I suggest let us have discussion on this on Sunday and decide the final approach for the text

plus more important is the food labelling for vegetarian food in supermarkets

As we know the products like

Cheese

Jelly

Sweet yoghurt

Custards

Biscuits

Ice creams

Contain animal derivatives like 

Rennet

Enzymes

Additives

Gelatins

Which are not clearly mentioned with their origins

Ideally food with no animal derivative should be shelved separately in supermarket or have a green dot to easily identify it is suitable for vegetarians

It will not be easy to Change profit driven supermarket chains with minimal competition 

I have requested this issue to be on agenda for Sunday meeting

 

BTW I also used emirates in my last visit to India and found Asian vegetarian as the best option which clearly mentioned the style of food being served by them under that option

Best regards

Sanjeev

Sent from my iPho

<Hindu Meals - HCA letters to IATA etc..docx>

[Vijai Singhal]

Dear All,

I agree with Sanjeev. He has a very detailed analysis of the problem. I think what we need, as Sanjeev says to indentify "Hindu Vegetarian" food. If we leave it at simply "Hindu food" we are excluding the meat eating Hindus. There are number of varieties of vegetarians also, eg vegans (eating no animal products), Indian vegetarians (eating no meat but milk products), amongst this variety some don't eat onion, garlick (like Jains not eating potatoes and other root veggies etc.) So we have to be careful here. I agree that we need to identify the food that contains  no animal products so that  vegetarians can be sure what they are eating, like the Muslims have their "Halal" and Jews "Kosher" labelling.

So let us discuss this issue before approaching the airlines.

Regards,

Vijai Singhal

---

CC: hinduco...@googlegroups.com
From: sanb...@gmail.com
Subject: Re: [hinducouncil:92] Meal labelling / Airline catering- Hindu Unity Forum (HUF)
Date: Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:49 +1000
To: hinduco...@googlegroups.com

[Bob Adhar]

I also agree that we must be careful with our communications in terms of providing clear and accurate suggestions to airlines. The subject matter although seems simple is quite complex when one attempts to cater for all types of needs. I did speak to some people at Qantas catering management on Wed who are happy to always receive suggestions by the way. However, we need to understand what an airline offers now and where the issues, that is gaps if any exists. Also, we need to take into consideration whether the problem is the airline itself or the problem is with the person booking the trip by not clearly indicating his/her dietary needs.

 

To be quite honest, I have never had problems in ordering vegetarian meals on any of the airlines. Airlines I have travelled include Qantas, Singapore, Thai, Jal, Mas, Cathay, Air China, BA, Air France, Swiss, AA, Delta, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, etc.. Qantas specifically have my meal profile stored in their systems and so far it seems to be working.

 

The meals overall can be further fine tuned to meet specific Hindu needs and the airlines will listen I feel though we need to provide more facts and be covering a wider Hindu needs to be successful in refining their systems.

 

See you on Sunday.

 

Bob Adhar

[kanti Jinna]

Thank you Sanjeev.

Glad you have this on the agenda for Sunday although I dont think we should be looking for a quick solution to both the issues raised. I think we should see what the other Hindu Councils in other parts of the world think of this proposal.

kanti

[leah briers]

Thanks Bob, your approach brings some valid points. I also agree that while it is important for airlines to clearly label and explain their food labelling systems, it is also important that individuals have a good awareness of these categories including the capacity to clearly express their dietary needs. Clearly understanding the overall issue and identifying the gaps is indeed necessary.

So while a good option is to investigate the process of clarifying the labelling, which we are in discussion already, perhaps the need for community education and some information provision on these topic areas may also be relevant to consider.

We can have a further discussion about it on Sunday, and thank you everyone for your comments and dialogue- it is good to see relevant issues being discussed.

Regards, Leah


<-----Original Message----->
>From: Bob Adhar [bob....@ramcharitmanasinstitute.org]
>Sent: 4/26/2013 10:49:16 AM
>To: hinduco...@googlegroups.com
>Subject: RE: [hinducouncil:94] Meal labelling / Airline catering- Hindu Unity
>Forum (HUF)
>

>I also agree that we must be careful with our communications in terms of
>providing clear and accurate suggestions to airlines. The subject matter
>although seems simple is quite complex when one attempts to cater for all types
>of needs. I did speak to some people at Qantas catering management on Wed who
>are happy to always receive suggestions by the way. However, we need to
>understand what an airline offers now and where the issues, that is gaps if any
>exists. Also, we need to take into consideration whether the problem is the
>airline itself or the problem is with the person booking the trip by not clearly
>indicating his/her dietary needs.
>
>To be quite honest, I have never had problems in ordering vegetarian meals on
>any of the airlines. Airlines I have travelled include Qantas, Singapore, Thai,
>Jal, Mas, Cathay, Air China, BA, Air France, Swiss, AA, Delta, Air Canada, Air
>New Zealand, etc.. Qantas specifically have my meal profile stored in their
>systems and so far it seems to be working.
>
>The meals overall can be further fine tuned to meet specific Hindu needs and the
>airlines will listen I feel though we need to provide more facts and be covering
>a wider Hindu needs to be successful in refining their systems.
>
>See you on Sunday.
>
>Bob Adhar
>
>

>From: hinduco...@googlegroups.com [mailto:hinduco...@googlegroups.com]
>On Behalf Of Vijai Singhal
>Sent: Friday, 26 April 2013 10:38 AM
>To: hinduco...@googlegroups.com
>Subject: RE: [hinducouncil:93] Meal labelling / Airline catering- Hindu Unity
>Forum (HUF)
>
>Dear All,
>

>I agree with Sanjeev. He has a very detailed analysis of the problem. I think
>what we need, as Sanjeev says to indentify "Hindu Vegetarian" food. If we leave
>it at simply "Hindu food" we are excluding the meat eating Hindus. There are
>number of varieties of vegetarians also, eg vegans (eating no animal products),
>Indian vegetarians (eating no meat but milk products), amongst this variety some
>don't eat onion, garlick (like Jains not eating potatoes and other root veggies
>etc.) So we have to be careful here. I agree that we need to identify the food
>that contains no animal products so that vegetarians can be sure what they are
>eating, like the Muslims have their "Halal" and Jews "Kosher" labelling.
>
>So let us discuss this issue before approaching the airlines.
>
>Regards,
>
>Vijai Singhal
>
>
>

>CC: hinduco...@googlegroups.com
>From: sanb...@gmail.com
>Subject: Re: [hinducouncil:92] Meal labelling / Airline catering- Hindu Unity
>Forum (HUF)

>Date: Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:49 +1000
>To: hinduco...@googlegroups.com

>If I have blessings of all the seniors I&#8217ll take this responsibility.
>
>I&#8217ll try to put my views on paper for discussion at the Sunday&#8217s meeting.

>
>Regards
>Mahavir
>
>From: hinduco...@googlegroups.com [mailto:hinduco...@googlegroups.com]
>On Behalf Of Vijai Singhal
>Sent: Wednesday, 24 April 2013 11:28 AM
>To: hinduco...@googlegroups.com
>Subject: RE: [hinducouncil:88] Meal labelling / Airline catering- Hindu Unity
>Forum (HUF)
>
>Mahavir ji,
>
>Good on you. It is not the punshment but we do need people to help out with this
>social responsibility. It is not enough to point a finger and sit quiet. We are
>all working volunteerly. Nobody is being paid. So we all have to take some

>responsibility and share the load..
>
>regards,
>Vijai Singhal

>>>Thanks for the invite and I&#8217ll try top attend.

>>kp.s...@audit.nsw.gov..au;

>>>drsgow...@gmail.com; bask...@hotmail.com; le...@mail2world.com;
>>>nihal...@gmail.com; rajaja...@hotmail.com; sanb...@gmail.com;
>>>sharma...@gmail.com; ramanb...@yahoo.com; bch...@yahoo.com.au;
>>>bale...@gmail.com; sukhv...@gmail.com; SVas...@woolworths.com.au;
>>>bhagwat...@yahoo.com; sharma...@gmail.com; anily...@gmail.com;
>>>an...@age.com.au; sanjk...@yahoo.com.au; jayra...@yahoo.com.au;
>>>nimes...@mediamonitors.com.au; ns...@fairfaxdigital.com.au;
>>>hem...@yahoo.com.au; supr...@hotmail.com; bob....@randtronics.com;
>>>sa...@optusnet.com.au; odhun...@bigpond.com; ssha...@ausgrid.com.au;

>>>halagali@hotmail..com; prakas...@apa.com.au; shobha...@hotmail.com;

>hinducouncilaus@googlegroups..com.

>Access the group for online discussions at
>https://groups.google.com/d/forum/hinducouncilaus
>To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to

>hinducouncila...@googlegroups.com..

>---
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>
>
>
>
>--
>-- Thanks for supporting Hindu Council Australia.
>For more info contact - www.hinducouncil.com.au
>
>The Hindu Council of Australia
>17 The Crescent, Homebush NSW 2140
>Phone : (02) 82504007
>Fax : (02)82089810
>
>To post message to this group, send an email to

>hinducouncilaus@googlegroups..com.

>hinducouncila...@googlegroups.com..

[Mahavir Arya]

Dear All

 

Following reading all comments I would like to add the following.

 

1.       Our aim is to tell the airlines that using non-vegetarian contents in Hindu labelled meals is not in accordance to Hindu culture.

2.       We should not be telling airlines of their job.  They are capable of making decision what is best for their business.

 

Regarding other issues highlighted are;

 

1.       There are always exceptions.  We cannot cater for all exceptions.  Options are available for Hindu who eat meat but there is no option is available for Hindu’s who do not eat made even these persons are in minority.  We can add salt in curry but cannot extract excess salt out of it.  We should target for minimum service which can cater to wider community.

2.       Hindu’ who eat meat so eat rice and curry.  For two meals in a flight people eating meat will not go hungry but non-meat eaters will go hungry if they do not get meal without meat.

3.       Hindu meal could be Jain meal which does not contain root products.  Jain meal could be a Hindu meal.  Many Hindu’s will love it as some Hindu’s do not eat onion and garlic.  Dal Bhat is the best meal and every Indian irrespective of cast and religion loves it.

 

Main aim of raising this issue is that vegetarian food or satvick food is one of the basic principal of Hinduism.  Changes in eating habits with time are circumstantial and should be ignored. 

>If I have blessings of all the seniors I’ll take this responsibility.
>

>I’ll try to put my views on paper for discussion at the Sunday’s meeting.

>>>Thanks for the invite and I’ll try top attend.

>>kp.sharma@audit.nsw.gov..au;