Value of the ethical consumerism at ?26bn

Co-op calculates value of the ethical consumerism at �26bn -

December 14, 2005

The dramatic rise in the sales of Fairtrade label products ? now worth over �140 million a year ? is well documented. But the value of the Fairtrade category is dwarfed by wider spending on ?ethical? goods says the Co-operative Bank, which has just carried out a survey into ethical consumerism.

The Co-op survey found that the value of ethical consumption increased by 15% in 2004 to a staggering �25.8 billion. The reason for this huge figure is that it includes categories such as ethically invested funds (valued at over �10 billion) and products and services bought because they offset climate change (�3.4 billion). Spending ethically on food ? including organic food and free-range eggs ? surpassed �4 billion for the first time, whilst spending on ethical fashion reached �680 million.

Consumer awareness of energy efficiency also increased, with the amount spent on energy-efficient electrical appliances rising by 23.5% to �1.3 billion. Spending on eco-friendly cleaning products rose to �13 million, from �11 million in the previous year.

The survey found that 54% of those questioned agreed with the statement: ?As a consumer, I can make a difference to how responsibly a company behaves.? This compared with 19% the year before. Greater awareness of ethical issues also led to an increase of boycotts on foods and shops.

Vegan - A nightmare before Christmas?

Author of a vegan cook book has challenged mothers around the world to prepare for what they may consider to be their worst christmas nightmare.

He asks mothers "How would you cope with this situation?"

"Your son texts from school to say he?s bringing his girlfriend back home for the holiday season."

"Before you can get the cork off the bottle of champagne to celebrate - he says ?just one more little thing - She?s Vegan!?"

"What would you do? Would you panic? Would you frantically search google online for a cruise on last minute dot com ?"

"How would you feel about the prospect of no turkey? What gift would you buy a vegan? No silk, no leather, even non organic cotton un-fair trade cotton has a vegan question mark over it these days."

As the full implications dawn on one it does seem to get worse.

No Chocolate, no wine (often contains fish or gelatine), no un-cruelty free cosmetics?

Tony offers a suggested ten point plan and coping strategy with a recipe for a happy vegetarian Christmas.

New UK Vegetarian Guide book 2006 to Britain

Vegetarian Visitor - UK Vegetarian Guide book 2006

Looking for weekend breaks, short breaks, beds and accommodation in Britain with recommended meals for vegetarian diets?

Out now, The latest edition of the No 1 vegetarian, annually updated, GB guidebook to approved cafes, recommended restaurants, best B&B, great guest houses, best pubs and good hotels in England, Scotland and Wales. Top places and best venues in United Kingdom catering for vegetarian and vegan meals.

Buy the guidebook now for only £2.50 or check out the online directory. Used internationally by the British Tourist Authority

London Nutritionist Yvonne Bishop-Weston says "Most of us could benefit from eating more nutritious vegetarian and vegan meals and this book sets out to help us"

More at PR WEB News

Cook Book- Diets, vegan, recipes, vegetarian

Top Ten Pick of the Cookbooks - Cook Book - Diets, vegan, recipes, vegetarian

The perfect recipe book for the cook who has everything - the cook book that no good housekeeping fan should be without. Full of innovative recipes you wont find in Betty Crocker, Fanny Farmer, Homes and Garden, Delia Smith, Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay cook books and with more colour photos than Moosewood by Mollie Katzen or artfull vegan. No wonder the cook book has many top reviews and is featured on the BBC ,Veggievision. and all good book shops.

Vegan features recipes with an emphasis on nutrition and health that are turning the minds and hearts of committed flexitarians and meat lovers not just vegetarians, vegans and those wishing to get more fruit and vegetables into their diet.

The cook book even appeals to diabetics, weight watchers, south beach diet and low carb chocoholics as although not a diet book as such it follows basic principles for a healthy diet that have been shown in a recent study to assist healthy weight loss.

The chocoholics section with non dairy ice cream and chocolate cake, cookies and dairy free desserts leave you in no doubt that these vegan home and garden recipes are to be enjoyed.

There is a handy nutrition and health section with healthy diet advice on key vitamins, minerals, essential fats and other vital nutrients.

More - www.vegan-cookbook.com Published by Hamlyn Authors Tony & Yvonne Bishop-Weston.

Oldest vegan on earth, longest living now 175

Famous Vegans, Celebrity Vegans, Vegan Quotes

Harriet, a giant (vegetarian) Galapagos Land tortoise and the world's oldest living creature, celebrates her 175th birthday.

While Harriet is currently the oldest living being on earth, she isn't the oldest living animal ever.

According to the Guinness Book Of World Records, the oldest ever lived was a Madagascar radiated tortoise called Tui Malila presented to the Tongan royal family by Captain James Cook in the late 1700s, was either 188 or 192 when it died in 1965.

Vegan Founder Dies at 95 - Donald Watson

Donald Watson the founder of The Vegan Society and the man who created the word vegan has died a few months after his 95th Birthday.

Donald Watson 02/09/1910 - 16/11/2005

Donald died peacefully at his home in the Lake District whilst Janet his daughter and Joe Connolly, editor of Veg News, were at his side.

Joe said "Donald appeared to be totally at peace and was chatting philosophically and optimistically until shortly before he passed away"

Donald Watson had taken a back seat on running The Vegan Society shortly after he handed power over to committee fairly early on in it's history. He kept an eagle eye on everything that was going on however and watched with admiration as it grew into a worldwide movement with vegan societies in every corner of the world and exciting vegan alternatives for everything from Ice cream to caviar.

For his 95th birthday this year (2005) Donald spoke to millions of people via the BBC World Service.

"The genie is now out of the bottle and no one can ever put it back to the ignorant days before 1944, when this seed was planted by people full of hope. Now wherever Man lives he can have a vegan diet."

Donald Watson Dies - BBC Obituary - Other Obituaries For Donald Watson - Scotsman - Doncaster Free Press - Independent - Cumberland News - Vegan Society (Jan Watson)

Interview With Donald Watson (Foods For Life)-

Other Famous Vegans

Vegan couple cleared in baby's death following Vegan witch hunt

Floodgates open to prosecute parents for feeding children certain diets following landmark Florida case.

Baby Woyah Andressohn died from an infection caused by a congenital defect which weakened her immune system.

The Andressohns were still found guilty of neglect despite even Prosecutor Walker admitting there was very little evidence to prove neglect.

Even as Judge Stanford Blake denied a motion to drop the neglect charges Friday afternoon, he told the attorneys in open court that were it not for evidence of growth charts showing that the Andressohn children were smaller than 97 percent of other children their age, he would have considered dismissing them.

This "evidence" however is rediculed in the face of statistics which show the vast majority of children in the Florida are overweight and obesity levels that the governor of Florida's Department of Health has described as an epidemic.

"Obesity-related health problems affect African Americans at rates substantially higher than non-minorities," Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson said. "These startling statistics clearly show the need for a campaign to increase awareness among this impacted population. We want everyone to know the facts and understand that they can take action to improve their health."

Obesity rates have doubled among children and tripled among teenagers since 1980, with unhealthy diet and lack of exercise contributing to this epidemic. Obesity could soon overtake smoking as the leading killer of Americans.

Cultural factors, including traditional diets and exercise habits, can increase obesity among some minority groups, particularly African Americans and Hispanics. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), only about one-fourth of U.S. adults eat the recommended five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. African Americans consume less than half the amount of vegetables that Caucasians consume.

According to the CDC:

More than half of African American and Hispanic women are obese.

One in four African American women over age 55 has diabetes.
2.7 million African Americans over age 20 have been diagnosed with diabetes. That accounts for 13 percent of all African Americans.

"The disturbing statistics about obesity-related illnesses in African Americans should serve as a wake-up call," said state Senator Anthony C. "Tony" Hill Sr., of Jacksonville. Hill, a member of the Florida Caucus of Black State Legislators and vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, helped initiate the public awareness campaign. Hill's Senate district includes Duval County, which has an African American population of more than 333,000.

If the Florida authorities are going to start prosecuting parents for not feeding their children their state recommended diet they have a big job ahead of them! The courts will be very busy.

more - Florida Governor's Task Force on the Obesity Epidemic

McDonalds get state protection.

Fast Food - Escape Fat Food Responsibility. Even if the fast food giants are found guilty and more evidence is provided that prove giant food companies knowingly encouraged customers to over eat (supersize me) cheap, unhealthy, sugar, fat and salt rich, highly calorofic, fat producing food, they are now protected by congress from being held responsible.

WASHINGTON -- The Republican-controlled House voted Wednesday to shield fast-food chains from lawsuits that blame them for making people fat.

Nicknamed the "cheeseburger bill," the measure stems from lawsuits accusing McDonald's of causing obesity in tens of thousands of children. The food industry has asked Congress and state legislatures to protect it from liability, and so far, 21 states have agreed.

The measure, which won approval on a 306-120 vote, would prevent class action lawsuits blaming restaurants and food companies for weight gain or obesity. The House passed a similar bill last year, but the Senate ran out of time to act.

Two-thirds of American adults are overweight, and nearly one-third are obese, while obesity among children and teenagers more than doubled in the past 30 years, according to government estimates.

Fast food giants and global food manufacturers are now free to take advantage of the nutritionally naive and let the health insurers and state health services pick up the tab for fast food irresponsibility and greed.

World Vegan Day Challenge for Editors of National Newspapers

A Vegan cookbook author and food writer has issued a World Vegan Day challenge to the editors of the national newspapers to find pictorial evidence of their vision of a typical Vegan.

Tony Bishop-Weston is giving them until the end of National Vegan Week ( Nov 5th ) to come up with evidence of who they think embodies a Typical Vegan.

more

World Vegan Day Lifetime Achievement Award for Vegan Chocolate Pioneer

The Vegan Society have named Arthur Ling, the founder of Plamil, as winner of the achievement category at the annual World Vegan Day Awards.

Adrian Ling, Arthur’s son and MD of Plamil said “It’s so sad that my father died before he received this award. He would have been so honoured that his achievements had been recognized by the organisation he’d helped to build. He’d won awards before but this one would have been very special to him”

More

Vegan Society AGM and Awards and Bristol Vegan Festival

Vegan Society AGM and Awards and Bristol Vegan Festival

On October 30th 2005, the day after the Bristol Vegan Fayre 2005, The Vegan Society will hold its Annual General Meeting in Bristol.

After the Bristol Vegan Fayre 2005 Yaoh hosts the Vegan Society Awards At the Rajpoot, Clifton, from 8pm till 1am.

Entertainment includes Classical North Indian Sitar and Tabla players upstairs, with intelligent drum and bass from SeFire downstairs. And legendary original award winning ClubYeyo DJ ChrisXCross will be dropping some classic late 80's and early 90's party tunes till the early hours.

Before that a gourmet Indian vegan buffet and the Vegan Society's 2005 Awards ceremony, compered by Tim from Yaoh, and featuring, among others, vegan MP Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East). Many of the UK's leading vegan people will be attending and everyone is invited.

Tickets are £23.50 (including food and entertainment) and are available from Yaoh ( 01179239053 ).

New Vegan Chocolate for World Vegan Day

I am proud that as an independent chocolate manufacturer we can be
truly innovative. The selling points of these bars are unique;
lots of cocoa, no added sugar, dairy and gluten free!
These bars have a place in every health food store.
With growing realization as to the health benefits of cocoa,
the shelled hemp variety in particular gives these
vegan chocolate bars a really good nutritional profile.

Adrian Ling, Managing Director, Plamil

Manufacturers of the world's first truly scrumptious, truly healthy,
Vegan Chocolate bar.

Full Story & Pictures - Try for Yourself

Live Exports Start From Dover Again.

DOVER DOCKS (KENT)

It is now certain that a private company is attempting to restart live animal exports from Dover.

Empty Dutch transporters were seen leaving the docks (complete with a police escort) to go up north to load up for the journey from Dover from Tuesday Night.

Demos will start approx 8pm. The animals are expected to leave on a midnight sailing.It appears that the export consignment has been arranged by Machins of Yorkshire; well known to Dover campaigners from days gone by.

In October 1998, Machins had their export licence revoked by the Government as they and their drivers were found guilty of no less than 377 breaches of animal welfare and transport rules. Source: The Express - Thurs October 22nd, 1998.

Around November 1999 at Dover Magistrates Court, Machins were fined £7,800 plus £100 costs after pleading guilty to transporting unfit lambs. The lambs were severely lame due to foot rot and were unfit to travel.

Complaints please to Dover Harbour on 01304 240400 and

The State Veterinary Service (Dover) on 01304 240020.

The KALE Hotline 01304 204688 is the best way to keep updated with news.

Warning to Dairy Producers to Stop Misleading Public on Milk

The UK Advertising Standards Authority uphold Vegan Society Complaint about Nestle Claims That Cow's Milk is an essential Part of The Human Diet.

London Nutritionist Yvonne Bishop-Weston said "Manufacturers and agencies that promote cow's milk products will have to be far more careful in the future. Cow's milk is a good source of calcium for a baby cow - helping it grow to the size of a small shed in a few weeks. Human nutritional needs are more complex - we need magnesium, vitamins K & D to utilise calcium and we certainly don't need all that saturated animal fat that comes free with milk."

More fruit and vegetables are needed in people's diets - especially green leafy veg rich in essential fats, vitamins, minerals, antioxidents and phytonutrients.

There have been a lot of misleading claims about milk recently - the Nestle advert is just one amongst many. Their peers should watch their step from now on.


Complaint:

The Vegan Society and a member of the public objected to an advertorial on the AOL website. The article was aimed at women and entitled "Mastering Your Metabolism Part 3: Eat well, feel great." One paragraph was headed "Dairy Products" and stated "Essential for healthy bones ...". The complainants objected that the ad was misleading because it was not necessary to eat dairy products to obtain healthy bones.

Codes Section: 3.1, 6.1, 7.1 (Ed 11)

Adjudication:

Complaints upheld
Nestlé UK said they recognised that there were other sources of calcium and they had not intended to suggest that dairy products were the only source of calcium.

The ASA considered that the use of the word "essential" implied dairy products were the only source of calcium. Because that was not correct, they concluded that the advertorial was likely to mislead and advised Nestlé to amend the claim and to seek assistance from the CAP Copy Advice team before using a similar campaign in future.

The advertorial breached CAP Code clauses 3.1 (Substantiation), 6.1 (Honesty) and 7.1 (Truthfulness).

Full Adjudication

Milk Myths new poster

MilkMyths.org.ukViva have launched a new campaign against the dairy industry.

They have also produced an anti-dairy billboard which will be travelling to 7 cities later this month on a postervan. The tour will be starting in London on Tues 20th Sept.

Viva!’s new billboard, which is sure to turn heads, features a well-dressed businessman suckling straight from a cow under the slogan ‘Cut Out the Middleman. Milk – still think it’s natural?’

Low-fat vegan diet hailed

the Mail online | Low-fat vegan diet hailed: "Women who stick to a low-fat vegan diet are more likely to lose weight than those whose diets include meat, claims a new American study published in the American Journal of Medicine.
Half the 59 overweight volunteers followed a strictly vegan diet as part of the experiment conducted by Dr Neal Barnard, president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.

The remaining half were given food in line with a national programme designed to reduce illness and death from coronary heart disease in the US, which endorses the consumption of low-fat animal products.
The remaining half were given food in line with a national programme designed to reduce illness and death from coronary heart disease in the US, which endorses the consumption of low-fat animal products. "

More about vegan diet study

New UK Vegetarian Magazine. LifeScape

Response Source | Press Releases - UKs latest vegetarian lifestyle magazine, Lifescape is launched.

September 13th sees the launch of the latest vegetarian lifestyle magazine, Lifescape.
Lifescape is a new alternative lifestyle magazine for the self-aware consumer; people who are concerned with what they eat, where they shop, today’s ethical dilemmas and how to keep their minds and bodies in good condition. It is promises to showcase the best of fair trade fashion and promotes the use of organic products.

Sitting next to Top Sante and Zest on the shelves Lifescape is a unique glossy magazine distributed by Comag and published independently by Madafu Publishing Ltd.

Lifescape is a monthly magazine, which provides an excellent resource for alternative health practices. Each issue is packed with real life stories and the latest fashion, cruelty-free beauty and celebrity gossip with a unique twist providing an excellent read to those who are interested in that lifestyle.

Tony says "We wish the magazine every success and hope to see it live much longer longer than Vegetarian Living, Vegetarian Today, Tescos Vegetarian Magazine , BBC Vegetarian Good Food and other vegetarian magazines that have struggled to win space on WH Smith's shelves"

Other magazines have had a very limited appeal as nothing more than recipe mags. By additionally focussing on health, travel , vegetarian fashion and the environment this magazine could find a niche loyal readership.

VeggieVision on BBC

Veggievision on BBC TV Webscape program Kate Russell From Webscape says "It never ceases to amaze me just how diverse the multimedia content is on the web. No matter what your hobbies or interests are, there is always plenty of information online, and Veggie Vision is a fine example of some great free content all about being a vegetarian.

It's still quite a young channel, so don't expect hours and hours of content yet, but they've already managed to secure a couple of veggie-celeb interviews, and there are some great recipes and reports in the archives."

World Vegan Day support requested from Chefs, Nutritionists, Hospitals, Supermarkets, Newspapers, Manufacturers and Schools

i-Newswire.com -Chefs, Nutritionists, Hospitals, Supermarkets, Newspapers, Manufacturers and Schools should support World Vegan Day 1st November.

The BBC reported Professor Lang’s message that “the healthy eating drive is at risk of failing because the public is getting contradictory messages.”

“There is an easy solution to many of the worlds health and environmental problems” says author of the vegan cookbook by Hamlyn ( ISBN 0600611906 ) Tony Bishop-Weston. “Just by encouraging consumers to eat more delicious and nutritious vegan foods you can help improve human health and also create a more ethical sustainable future for the planet”

Recently interviewed on the BBC World Service Outlook Programme for his 95th Birthday Donald Watson, Vegan Society founder said “So many people are running towards what I see as suicide, performing habits that everyone knows are dangerous. Man's greatest mistake is trying to turn himself into a carnivore, contrary to natural law.”

Top London nutritionist and tutor at The Institute of Optimum Nutrition Yvonne Bishop-Weston agrees “Eating more plant based foods is essential for better health. So many people I see in my London clinics can be helped with simple changes in their diets rather than expensive drugs. Fertility, heart health, cognitive function, digestion and weight management can all usually be improved through rebalancing the body and a healthy optimum nutrition program.”

Press Release - World Vegan Day - World Vegan Day - More info

Value of vegetarian and Vegan Food market $1.2 Billion

Vegetarian Foods in the United States - Research and Markets - Market Research Reports

As some segments of the vegetarian market move into the mainstream and become commodity products rather than exotic, specialty foods (as is the case with soymilk), Mintel predicts that the overall vegetarian food market, as defined here, will grow to over $1.7 billion by 2010.

Vegan Authors try to Save Million Dollar Pigs

"HALFWAY THERE" says Vegan on Solent TV

UK authors of a best-selling Vegan Cookbook are desperately trying to raise investment to start a vegan health and nutrition cookery school and save two pot-bellied pigs, Bubble and Squeak, from the stew pot.

Tony and Yvonne Bishop-Weston's healthy vegan cookbook by Hamlyn is selling well all over the world but they say "seeing is believing" and they want to teach chefs face to face how delicious and nutritious vegan food can be and start up a vegan cookery school.

Top London Nutritionist Yvonne and award winning vegan cook and food writer husband Tony have found a great location for their latest joint venture of combined skills.

"We found a fantastic 17th century pig farm on the Isle of Wight which is perfect for our needs to set up a health and well-being therapy centre and vegan cookery school" says Tony.

There are only two pigs left on the farm, two Vietnamese pot bellied pigs called bubble and squeak plus a collection of ducks, chickens, geese and a turkey which are threatened with being put down if the owners can't find a suitable buyer soon.



Tony adds "We hope to save not only bubble and squeak and their friends from an untimely death, but save many millions of other farmed animals from unnecessary suffering by showing chefs from all over the world how easy it is to create stylish, delicious and healthy food with using innovative vegan recipes."

Speaking from London Tony reflects "We don’t get royalties from our book and raising one million pounds when you have nothing but experience, fame and each other seems a bit daunting. But on the other hand opportunities for 'safe as houses' truly ethical investment are few and far between these days. This is a great project and a great opportunity to make a real long term difference to the health and well-being of people, animals and the environment"

Tony and Yvonne also plan to publish a Caterer's Vegan Catering Guide – "Suitable for Everyone" based on their many years experience in Foodservice.

They plan to have commemorative ceramic tiles on the school's walls to thank the investors, and brass patrons’ plaques on the culinary school's workstations, which represent how many animals have been saved by each new trained chef.

If someone handed Tony and Yvonne a million pounds tomorrow, they anticipate they could be up and running by World Vegan Day 1st November. Bubble and Squeak and lots of turkeys could then look forward to the best Christmas they've ever had.

EDITORS’ NOTES

Yvonne worked for UK health food chain Holland and Barrett, before joining pioneering vegetarian restaurant chain Cranks. Having qualified with credit at The Institute of Optimum of Nutrition she joined The Food Doctor and now runs her own consultancy Foods For Life.

Tony grew up in a London delicatessen obsessed by fine food. After establishing an award winning vegan guesthouse in the Highlands of Scotland he joined first The Vegetarian Society and then The Vegan Society as business development officer. He is author of two vegan cookbooks and has had a diverse career from drive-time radio presenter and lifeguard to nude modelling and life assurance salesman.



Press Release, downloadable pictures and PDF file


For more information contact:

Tony or Yvonne via www.foodsforlife.org.uk

Email tony@foodsforlife.org.uk

+44 (0) 7944 068432

Vegan diet may reverse cancer

bmj.com -- UK health news 20050815: "Vegan diet may reverse cancer
Source: The Times
Date: 15/08/2005
A brief item in The Times today points at new research by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre in New York. The research team has found that a vegan diet could stop or even reverse the progression of prostate cancer after tests on 93 volunteers in conjunction with the University of California in San Francisco. Levels of a key biological marker for prostate tumours fell significantly when patients had adopted a vegan diet. "

Vegan Founder is 95 - Please send Birthday Wishes

Donald Watsonis the visionary that formed the word vegan from the begining and end of "vegetarian" and founded The Vegan Society in November 1944.

Donald Watson celebrates his 95th Birthday this year. Donald was born on 2nd September 1910. Please send birthday wishes and thanks for the inspiration to make the world a better place.

Cards and wishes should be posted to arrive no later than 29th August 2005.

Addressed to:

FAO Donald Watson - Founder
(Birthday Wishes)
C/O The Vegan Society
7 Battle Road
St Leonards On Sea
East Sussex
TN37 7AA

Fax Number +44 (0) 1424 717064
If you have a photograph of your vegan group or a vegan event (from last years World Vegan Day?) Donald would be very pleased to see these.

You can email photos and wishes suitable for printing to

info@vegansociety.com with "Donald Watson Wishes" in Subject Line

No animated cards please.

Thank you for your kindness and understanding.

Tony Bishop-Weston

More about Donald Watson - Interview with Donald Watson Part 1 , Part 2
- Donald Watson - Oldest, longest Vegan?

Superbugs found in chicken - Antibiotic resistant

BBC NEWS | Programmes | Real Story | Superbugs found in chicken survey: "Significant numbers of chickens on sale in UK shops are contaminated with superbugs, a scientific survey commissioned by BBC One's Real Story suggests. "

Of the British-grown chickens analysed, over half were contaminated with multi-drug resistant E.coli which is immune to the effects of three or more antibiotics.

More than a third of the 147 samples, which included overseas and UK produced chicken, had E.coli germs resistant to the important antibiotic Trimethaprim which is used to treat bladder infections.

According to the latest figures, British animals consume 15 tonnes of Trimethaprim a year.

The World Health Organisation has named antibiotic resistance as one of three major threats for the future.

Dr Mike Millar, the head of Infection Control at St Barts Hospital in London, said: "Potentially this is very worrying.

"We've known for years there've been outbreaks of bladder infections in different parts of the world but we haven't really known where the germs have been coming from.

In worst cases, bladder infections could lead to kidney damage and the need for renal dialysis, he said.

Vegan diet and exercise may stop or reverse prostate cancer

Vegan diet and exercise may stop or reverse prostate cancer progression: "Vegan diet and exercise may stop or reverse prostate cancer "

Men with early stage prostate cancer who make intensive changes in diet and lifestyle may stop or perhaps even reverse the progression of their illness, according to a new study.

The research is the first randomized, controlled trial showing that lifestyle changes may affect the progression of any type of cancer. Study findings are published in the September issue of the Journal of Urology.

The study was directed by Dean Ornish, MD, clinical professor, and Peter Carroll, MD, chair of the Department of Urology, both of the University of California, San Francisco, and the late William Fair, MD, chief of urologic surgery and chair of urologic oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

The research team studied 93 men with biopsy-proven prostate cancer who had elected not to undergo conventional treatment for reasons unrelated to this study. The participants were randomly divided into either a group who were asked to make comprehensive changes in diet and lifestyle or a comparison group who were not asked to do so.

After one year, the researchers found that PSA levels (a protein marker for prostate cancer) decreased in men in the group who made comprehensive lifestyle changes but increased in the comparison group. There was a direct correlation between the degree of lifestyle change and the changes in PSA. Also, they found that serum from the participants inhibited prostate tumor growth in vitro by 70 percent in the lifestyle-change group but only 9 percent in the comparison group. Again, there was a direct correlation between the degree of lifestyle change and the inhibition of prostate tumor growth.

Participants in the lifestyle-change group were placed on a vegan diet consisting primarily of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes supplemented with soy, vitamins and minerals. They participated in moderate aerobic exercise, yoga/meditation, and a weekly support group session. A registered dietitian was available for consultation, and a nurse case manager contacted the participants once a week for the first three months and weekly thereafter.

EFA study in Vegetarians and Vegans

As a new study warns of Essential Fatty Acid (EFA) levels in vegetarians and vegans a London Nutritionist warns veggies to eat a balanced diet.

Yvonne Bishop-Weston BSc Dip ION MBANT, a London based Nutrition Consultant from Foods For Life says " The good news is that despite lower levels it doesn't seem to be a dangerous problem as long term vegans and vegetarians don't appear to be any more worse off than new converts"

"There is an issue here though , especially for those people planning children and for vegetarian mothers during pregnancy, birth and breast feeding"

"Vegetarians and vegans should ensure they eat EFA rich foodssuch as flax and hempseeds or take a algae based DHA supplement."

Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in plasma in British meat-eating, vegetarian, and vegan men -- Rosell et al. 82 (2): 327 -- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: "Long-chain n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in plasma in British meat-eating, vegetarian, and vegan men1,2,3
Magdalena S Rosell, Zoue Lloyd-Wright, Paul N Appleby, Thomas AB Sanders, Naomi E Allen and Timothy J Key
1 From the Cancer Research UK Epidemiology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (MSR, PNA, NEA, and TJK), and the Nutrition, Food and Health Research Center, King's College London, London, United Kingdom (ZL-W and TABS)
Background: Plasma concentrations of long-chain n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are lower in vegetarians and in vegans than in omnivores. No data are available on whether these concentrations differ between long- and short-term vegetarians and vegans.
Objectives: We compared plasma fatty acid composition in meat-eaters, vegetarians, and vegans and examined whether the proportions of eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n3; EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n3; DPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n3; DHA) were related to the subjects' duration of adherence to their diets or to the proportions of plasma linoleic acid (18:2n6; LA) and -linolenic acid (18:3n-3; ALA).
Design: The present cross-sectional study included 196 meat-eating, 231 vegetarian, and 232 vegan men in the United Kingdom. Information on anthropometry, diet, and smoking habits was obtained through a questionnaire. Total fatty acid composition in plasma was measured.
Results: The proportions of plasma EPA and DHA were lower in the vegetarians and in the vegans than in the meat-eaters, whereas only small differences were seen for DPA. Plasma EPA, DPA, and DHA p"

Vegan Passport - Times Online

The world this week - News and Comment - Times Online - Vegan Passport: "Veggies to go
A different kind of passage- to-travel came out this week the latest, expanded, edition of the Vegan Societys Vegan Passport (£3.99). It lists the dishes that vegans can eat in most countries around the world (covering 56 languages), while warning of potential pitfalls. Honey, for example, is off the menu because it exploits another life form. Details: www.vegansociety.com. Buy Now "

Vegan Chocolate for Heart Health

Ivanhoe's Medical Breakthroughs - Chocolate for Your Health: "(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- According to a new study, a daily bar-sized indulgence of flavonol-rich dark chocolate could reduce blood pressure and improve insulin resistance.
'Previous studies suggest flavonoid-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, tea, red wine and chocolate, might offer cardiovascular benefits,' says Jeffrey B. Blumberg, Ph.D, Senior Scientist at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research on Aging at Tufts University in Boston. 'But this in one of the first clinical trials to look specifically at dark chocolate's effect on lowering blood pressure among people with hypertension.'
Flavonoids are natural antioxidants found in many foods from plants.

Blumberg and colleagues at the University of L'Aquila in Italy studied 20 people with hypertension. a systolic blood pressure -- the top number in a blood pressure reading -- between 140 and 159 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and a diastolic blood pressure -- bottom number -- between 90 and 99. The participants were not taking antihypertensive medicines, did not have diabetes or any other diseases, and did not smoke.
Throughout the week before the study, participants avoided all chocolate and other flavonoid-rich foods. For the next 15 days, half ate a 3.5-ounce bar of flavonoid-rich dark chocolate daily, while the other half ate the same amount of white chocolate.

'White chocolate, which has no flavonoids, was the perfect control food because it contains all the other ingredients and calories found in dark chocolate,' Blumberg said.
Researchers found a 12 mm Hg decrease in systolic (the top number in a reading) blood pressure and a 9 mm Hg decrease in diastolic (the bottom number in a reading) blood pressure in the dark chocolate group after the 15-day study. They also founfound the dark chocolate group experienced a considerable decrease in several measures of insulin reduction. There were no changes recorded in the white chocolate group.

According to Blumberg, the results can generate recommendations that improve diets and help people control these risk factors. He adds flavoniod-rich foods should be included in a healthy diet, and dark chocolate can be a part of the effort, along with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Submitted by Foods For Life

Vegan Easier Than Vegetarian says FSA

Natural Products Magazine: "FSA guidance tackles mistrust on use of vegan and vegetarian - July 13, 2005
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued new draft guidance on the use of the terms vegetarian and vegan in food labelling.

The move is designed to address the problem of growing consumer distrust of the way the terms are used by food manufacturers. The FSA believes that the main reason for this distrust is the lack of a universally accepted definition of what constitutes a food that is suitable for a vegetarian or vegan diet.

The FSA says that it was relatively easy to reach agreement from stakeholders (manufacturers, vegetarian and vegan organisations, and religious groups) on use of the term vegan broadly, the exclusion of any foods made from, or with, animals or animal products. The term vegetarian was more difficult to define. The proposed criteria is to exclude products derived from the slaughter of animals or made with the use of such products, but to permit foods that are produced by, from, or with the use of live animals for example eggs or honey. "

Some people vegetarian for religious reasons don't consider eggs to be vegetarian.

A representative from The Young Indian Vegetarian Nitin Mehta conceded it may be easier and simpler for Indian vegetarians to look for products labelled as vegan.

Food Standards Agency * The Vegan Society * The Vegetarian Society * Independent help for manufacturers on Vegetarian and Vegan Labelling and Symbols for Packaging * Press Release - FDA on Vegetarian and Vegan Diets - Full Story Food Navigator - Pub Trade response

Vegan Shoes - Very In Vogue- Just the Very Donkeys'

Vegetarian Shoes: and Vegan Shoes - Very In Vogue- Just the Very Donkeys' - Vegan shoes have become just the very donkeys' (just the job) - as more and more women realise they don't have to squeeze their feet into part of a cow's bum or look like a geek if they don't.



UK stars of foot fashion are Beyond skin see Press-Beyond Skin: appearing in "Cosmopolitan - March 2005, In Style Magazine - February 2005, The Times Magazine - January 2005, Ergo - Winter 2004
Marie Claire - November 2004, Vogue - October 2004, Footwear Today - March 2004, Evening Standard - December 2003"

In California, USA the All Vegan shop sell Men's and women's shoes by BC Footwear, Earth Vegan, Ipath, Kenneth Cole Unlisted, Liz Claiborne, Miss Me, Palladium, Report, Seychelles, Shoes with Souls, Skechers, Splaff, T.U.K. , Vegetarian Shoes, Wanted, and many more, Garmont hiking boots, Spira running shoes, vegan "FUgg" (faux "Ugg") boots

Other sellers of Vegan Shoes include Alternative Outfitters , VeganLine , Vegan Essentials , Vegan Store USA, Bourgeois Boheme, Niketown ,Ethical wares, Moo Shoes , Vegan Wares (Australia), The Vegetarian Site , Vegan Mart, Vega-Life (Holland), Heartland , Birkensock , Chester Boots (Vegan DM's) , Freerangers (UK) , Veganstore , Greenshoes, Pennangalan , Vegan Unlimited, Animal Aid, Vegan Shoes (clogs - for gardening?), eco dragon, Stella McCartney, Asics and others



These are nice - I can't understand why you don't see more people wearing these - people would start flocking to be vegan if they new about these footwear fashion statements.

Vegan Cars - fuelled by chip fat and vegetable oil

Cruising in Vegetarian Cars with Biodiesel Biofuel | theledger.com: "Most of us drive vehicles with ravenous appetites for gasoline. Steve Morrison drives obliviously past gas stations in a car with an aroma that stimulates people's appetites.

'When I drive past my friends, they all tell me they get hungry,' the Lake Wales resident says. 'It has the smell of food cooking.'
Two homemade bumper stickers on Morrison's 1979 Mercedes 240D sedan hint at the reason. One proclaims, 'My Car Is A Vegetarian.' Another reads 'Your French Fries Give Me Gas.'

Morrison and a few friends in south Polk County have wedged themselves into a tiny niche of alternative fuels, running their cars on discarded vegetable oil previously used to fry fish, egg rolls and -- of course -- french fries in local restaurants. It's an experimental venture pitched well below the radar screen of any established fuel markets.

Morrison, 54, was driving a Toyota pickup truck until two years ago, when he became interested in 'biodiesel,'"

Greasal * Veg Powered Systems * GreaseCar * Willie Nelson's Biodiesal * Biodiesel America * Bio Diesel UK * History * Make your own Bio Fuel * Biofuel Oasis * Bio Fuel UK * BioFuel Coop * Brazil Leads the World

Co-op bans non vegan E Number

Great news and another reason to shop at Coop. Still not perfect but doing much more than many other supermarkets to make a difference. They also are the only supermarket to label their wine to show whether it is vegan or not.

Health, Healthy Eating and Nutrition News: "The following colours, all of which should be avoided according to the HACSG, have been removed from Co-op brand products:

E120 Cochineal, Carmines and Carminic Acid "

We're NOT Afraid

Following the Terrorists attacks on London a website called We're not afraid popped up with messages to Londoners from all over the world.

Here's our contribution.


A messsage for ALL terrorists who kill and maim innocent people. With Love to Londoners X

we're not afraid

Can Veganism Make Poverty History?

i-Newswire.com - Press Release And News Distribution - Can Veganism Make Poverty History?: The greatest danger to our world is apathy, the Governments of the world sit back and watch companies undermine the health of the nation, rape the planet and sell weapons of mass destruction to dictators because they think we don't care enough.

There's a good reason why the world is such a mess - we encourage companies to behave badly by buying their products, people can easily make a difference by voting with their shopping bill. Be choosy about who you give you money to.

Animal products cause unnecessary suffering to millions of animals, spread preventable diseases, cause havoc with the environment, waste precious resources such as food and water and burn up billions of dollars of Government subsidies - unlike delicious vegan products.

EVENTS - Vegan Festival in Scotland Saturday 16th July - Cruelty Free Scotland - Edinburgh 

Bird flu: Epidemic on the edge to spread to Humans.

Scotsman.com News - Top Stories - Bird flu: World is on the edge: "Dr Shigeru Omi, of the World Health Organisation, said at the opening of a three-day United Nations conference on bird flu that the virus has 'tightened its grip' on the region and is capable of springing major surprises.
Cases of human infection have been reported in Vietnam, with others likely in Cambodia and Indonesia, while fears are growing that infected migratory birds in China could spread the virus to India and Pakistan.
'We believe we are at the tipping point. Either we ... reverse this trend or things will get out of hand,' Dr Omi said. 'We must have an all-out war against this virus.'
The flu, which has killed 54 people in Asia, currently appears to spread to people only when they come into close contact with sick poultry.
But medical experts fear that the H5N1 bird flu strain could mutate into a form that easily passes between people and trigger a global pandemic because people have developed no resistance to the strain. "

More News - www.nature.com * BBC News * Yahoo News * WHO news Factsheet * US Workers' Guidance

The EnviroLink Network

The EnviroLink Network

As lethargy reigns during yet another UK awareness week – BUAV National Cruelty-Free Week, behind the scenes it seems the vegetarian nerds have been busy. No matter which subject you pick, health, nutrition, punks or chocolate, there seems to be a vegan website for everything – even vegan sex.

www.for-vegans.co.uk * www.heroes.for-vegans.co.uk * www.recipes.for-vegans.co.uk * www.news.for-vegans.co.uk

What is the Vegetarian Beef About World Hunger? - Vegetarian

What is the Vegetarian Beef About World Hunger? - Vegetarian: "Compare the following facts about food production:
It takes 23 gallons of water to produce a pound of tomatoes.
It takes 5,214 gallons of water to produce a pound of beef.

One acre of land can produce 20,000 pounds of potatoes.
One acre of land can produce 165 pounds of beef.

It takes 1 pound of grain to make 1 pound of bread.
It takes 20 pounds of grain to make 1 pound of beef."

Make Poverty History

Make Poverty History

Vegan Soya Milk Sales Rise

No wonder the $billion dairy industry has launched a Battle of Trafalgar style broadside against soya milk recently spending millions of dollars on PR. Fortunately the public is not that gullable.

Health trends drive soy milk craze: "Soy milk has been Western Europe's fastest growing dairy sector over the last six years, presenting new challenges to dairy firms via consumer health trends and new fears over lactose intolerance, reports Chris Mercer.

The value of Western Europes soy milk market has more than doubled to 375m (249.5m) between 1998 and 2004, thanks to consumer obsessions with health and wellness, according to a new report on the global dairy market from research group Euromonitor.
The report says soy milk has benefited from rising consumer awareness that soy is high in fibre, protein and minerals yet low in saturated fat and free of cholesterol.

Vegan Options More Popular Than Ever on College Campuses; ARAMARK Focuses on Meeting Customer Needs in Honor of Vegan World Day

Vegan Options More Popular Than Ever on College Campuses; ARAMARK Focuses on Meeting Customer Needs in Honor of Vegan World Day: "Vegan Options More Popular Than Ever on College Campuses; ARAMARK Focuses on Meeting Customer Needs in Honor of Vegan World Day "

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 21, 2005--ARAMARK nationwide research has revealed that, out of more than 100,000 college students surveyed, nearly a quarter said finding vegan meals on campus -- which contain no meat, fish, poultry or other products derived from animals such as dairy, eggs or honey -- was important to them.

About ARAMARK

ARAMARK Corporation is a world leader in providing award-winning food and facilities management services to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, international and domestic corporations, as well as providing uniform and career apparel. ARAMARK was ranked number one in its industry in the 2005 FORTUNE 500 survey and was also named one of "America's Most Admired Companies" by FORTUNE magazine in 2005, consistently ranking since 1998 as one of the top three most admired companies in its industry as evaluated by peers. Headquartered in Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 242,500 employees serving clients in 20 countries.

Aramark pleases everyone

Glastonbury Swaps Mud for Mayo for 2005

Free Vegan Recipes & New Product News - Healthy, Delicious & Nutritious: "Glastonbury revellers may be swimming in Egg Free, dairy free, vegan mayonnaise not mud" say Plamil, UK pioneers of plant milk products."

Adrian adds “One of our clients recommends it as emergency festival all over body sun-block too, but it’s not something we would recommend unless you have a good friend who’s keen to lick it all off “

“There’s a big demand for organic Dairy free, egg free, vegan and vegetarian food at these festival events. It makes no sense for caterers to have various brands when they can have gallons of one vegan one that pleases everyone” says catering consultant Tony Bishop-Weston from Foods For Life.

Last year Glastonbury was a mudbath. This year it's predicted to be mayo not mud.


Picture of muddy Glastonbury 2004 c/o BBC



Vegan Festival Mayo at Glastonbury

Vegan Statistics - research, studies, & data on veganism.

World Vegan Day - STATISTICS - Vegan and meat-free/meat reducer/dairy free markets: "One of the key facts that one should not loose sight of is the fact the the most important statistic is NOT the number of actual vegans.
The number of people prefering and buying vegan products is the ultimate factor in driving the vegan movement forward. The consumers who would just prefer to be kinder to health, people, animals and the environment are the people making new product development and investment in vegan products financially viable.

One of the wonderful advantages of healthy vegan food is that it can be equally enjoyed by a meat eater trying to cut down on cholesterol as someone with a dairy intolerance protecting themselves against osteoporosis - vegan food is not just for vegans.Ask any succesful veggie restaurant and they'll tell you 60 - 70% of their customers are omnivores enjoying veganics on a regular basis."

More Vegan statistics, research, data and studies. World Vegan Day Polls - The Vegan Society - The Vegetarian Society - Imaner Vegan Research

Handhi Ghandi -Insults Gandi

Handi Ghandi has upset vegetarians, vegans and relatives and admirers of Mahatma Gandhi. Gandi was one of the most famous vegetarians and this franchised fast food chain sells beef and chicken.

Trade descriptions officers may get involved - it's percievable that some vegetarians that a restaurant that uses Gandi's image would be assumed to be vegetarian and the 'beef' and 'chicken' would be vegan versions as they are in many chinese and thai restaurants around the world.

"It's offensive," Tushar Gandhi, the activist's Bombay-based great-grandson and head of the Mahatma Gandhi Foundation, told Reuters. "It goes absolutely against all his beliefs. Using his image to sell beef curries and such doesn't gel.



Handi Ghandi Franchising Franchise - BeTheBoss AU: "Providing quality nutrition has become the focal point of the takeaway food industry and Handi Ghandi is committed to supplying healthy nutritious food.

Handi Ghandi's meals are made fromour own original recipes. Using the best cuts of meat and chicken uniquely blended with market fresh spices and vegetables, our curries have that special, individual Handi Ghandi flavour."

www.handighandi.com


MSN news

www.command-post.org Over-reaction? Would americans be upset if an Indian company sold Hammer and Nails with an image of Jesus- "Nail that post with Holy Ghost!"- "Aim higher with DIY Mesiah"

Scottish Vegan Singer / Songwriter

Guardian Unlimited | Arts Friday Review | Folk beliefs: "On the Saturday morning that we meet, James Yorkston is suffering. The Fife-born singer-songwriter, whose gruff manner stands at odds with his beautifully melancholic and delicate music, was out drinking the night before. He makes a cup of black tea and reveals himself, surprisingly, to be a vegan. I comment that he doesn't look like one: vegans don't usually have ruddy complexions and burly builds. 'I drink a lot of beer,' he says by way of explanation."

Climate-Friendly Vegan Farming may Save Environment

Climate-Friendly Farming Project Underway / June 16, 2005 / News from the USDA Agricultural Research Service: "Reducing greenhouse gases from agriculture is the goal of Climate Friendly Farming, a five-year cooperative project involving the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Washington State University (WSU).
Agriculture accounts for 7 percent of all U.S. greenhouse gases. For example, cows release methane while digesting food; applying nitrogen-based fertilizers leads to nitrous oxide emissions; and tilling speeds the breakdown of soil organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Agriculture can have positive effects, too. Modifying farm practices can preempt the formation and release of gases. For example, instead of tilling, a farmer might adopt direct seeding, a practice that leaves organic matter relatively undisturbed and increases soil carbon storage, according to ARS soil scientists Hal Collins and Dave Huggins. Collins is based at the ARS Vegetable and Forage Crops Production Research Unit at Prosser, Wash., and Huggins works at the ARS Land Management and Water Conservation Research Unit at Pullman, Wash. "

See also Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources and VOHAN

Nuts NOT Milk for Health

The New Zealand Herald: "In Finland, where a national selenium fortification programme was introduced in 1985, white muscle disease of the heart - a major risk factor for heart disease - has been eradicated. In this country, the governmental Food Standards Agency has reported that there is an inverse relationship between selenium intake and mortality from cancer.

Brazil nuts were linked last year with a reduced risk of breast cancer in some women by scientists at the University of Illinois. They claim selenium interacts with a natural body chemical to offer protection against the disease.

Many more studies have pointed to the long-term health benefits of eating nuts. One showed that regular consumption could cut the risk of bladder cancer in half because of their high vitamin E content.

A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that people who replaced half the fat in their daily diets with almonds experienced a drop in harmful LDL cholesterol of six per cent over six weeks.

Sue Baic, a registered dietitian and lecturer in nutrition at Bristol University, says: "If they are eaten as a snack in small quantities, they can help people who are watching their weight, because they are more satisfying to the appetite than chocolate or crisps.' "

Chicken Pooh, Blood and Hepatitis fed to Cattle?

Salt Lake Tribune - Business: "American cattle are eating chicken litter, cattle blood and restaurant leftovers that could help transmit mad cow disease -- a gap in the U.S. defense that the Bush administration promised to close nearly 18 months ago.
'Once the cameras were turned off and the media coverage dissipated, then it's been business as usual, no real reform, just keep feeding slaughterhouse waste,' said John Stauber, an activist and co-author of Mad Cow USA: Could the Nightmare Happen Here?"

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Society | Big study links red meat diet to cancer

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Society | Big study links red meat diet to cancer: "International scientists yesterday delivered a long-awaited verdict on red meat, concluding in a definitive study of the eating habits of half a million people that beef, lamb, pork, veal and their processed varieties such as ham and bacon, increase the risk of bowel cancer.
Those who eat two portions a day - equivalent to a bacon sandwich and a fillet steak - increase their risk of bowel cancer by 35% over those who eat just one portion a week, the study found. The World Health Organisation's international agency for research on cancer (IARC) called for everybody to eat more fish and less meat. "

Tofu challenge for McDonalds

Finally a chain of Fast Food joints that could finally wipe the smile off Ronald McDonald's face.

The wild bison are running scared as Hirshberg is no vegetarian but at least he's planning to offer realistic choice.

Chicago Tribune news : Nation/World: "SOMERVILLE, Mass. -- Gary Hirshberg isn't the first parent to become frustrated by the lack of healthy fast-food options for his kids during a road trip. But as president of Stonyfield Farm yogurt company, Hirshberg was in a position to do something about it.

Now, six years after that fateful vacation in northern California, Hirshberg is overseeing a project he hopes will spark a revolution in the fast-food industry. It's called O'Naturals, a small chain of fast-food restaurants in the Northeast that offers everything from carrot ginger soup to organic smoked tofu , much of it made with organic or natural ingredients.

O'Naturals opened its fourth store in April in a former bakery at the edge of the trendy Davis Square neighborhood in Somerville, a Boston suburb, and plans are under way to expand the chain across the nation through franchises.

'We call it `fast food with a mission,'' said Hirshberg, who envisions his restaurants shaking up the restaurant business in much the same way that Whole Foods Market shook up the grocery trade.

At a time when McDonald's is championing salads and Burger King is offering a veggie burger, Hirshberg and a handful of other entrepreneurs are taking things a step further, emphasizing how the food is produced as much as how it tastes."

BSE Mad Cow Disease - How can you find it if you don't look?

It seems the US authorities are acting like brass monkeys. See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil, export no evil beef. How can they expect to find it if they don't look. Japan tests 100% of beef, Europe tests over 80% and USA tests...........1%.

It seems the only way a cow can get discovered with BSE is if

a) A cow goes mad, runs riot and gets shot OUTSIDE the slaughterhouse like the only confirmed U.S. case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease, found in December 2003 in a Washington state dairy cow.

or

b) The farmer has taken so long getting the cow to market since it first showed signs of BSE that it is so riddled with bovine spongiform encephalopathy that it's spongey brain prevents it from walking properly and it can't make it to the slaughterhouse.

In these 2 incidents, the alleged only 2 cases of mad cows' disease in the USA, because the beasts were slaughtered outside the slaughterhouse they can't legally enter the food chain.

That means no money for the slaughterman. So then the head honcho scratches his head and says "hey! we can ship this one off to the Govt to claim money for that BSE testing grant" - it's pure luck that even these two cows were discovered.

Even then we've had to wait 7 months for the test results!

USA beef could be the most dangerous beef in the world - who knows. Until they start testing more thoroughly no one will ever know.

USDA Finds Possible 2nd Case of Mad Cow Disease: "The USDA said the suspect animal's brain tested positive for BSE in a rapid, preliminary test in November. When immediately retested with more sophisticated technology, it was found free of the disease.
But the USDA's inspector general asked scientists on Wednesday to retest the animal using a third kind of technology known as the 'Western blot' test. The animal tested positive late on Friday.

The government said the suspect animal, first tested in November, did not enter the human food or livestock feed supply because it was unable to walk when delivered for slaughter.

The Western blot test was requested by a consumer group in February, which said it was the most definitive test available. "

Bribes for Kids' healthy eating in UK

US gets taste of Scots healthy eating scheme - The Herald: "Under the Glasgow City Council project aimed at addressing the poor diet of thousands of children similar to supermarket loyalty card programmes pupils accumulate points on a swipe-card for buying foods such as salads and yogurt which can then be traded for prizes."

Vegan is the New Black

After 60 years of ridicule, Vegan is the New Black - Pea PR: "After 60 years of ridicule, Vegan is the New Black
(PRLEAP.COM) Even though the word Vegan is considered a taboo, dirty word by the UK tabloid newspapers, veganism is reaching out and inspiring people all over the world like never before in it's 60 year history.

Tony Bishop-Weston Author of 'Vegan' by Hamlyn says "A journalist from one of the top UK tabloids told me that their editor had banned them from using the word 'vegan' as it was too scary for their readers. All health and beauty stories have to be dumbed down to use the word vegetarian instead of vegan. Herb tea was also on the taboo list."

"The lack of an amiable vegan in a major TV soap and the apparent UK tabloid decision to reserve the word vegan for crowd control and shock tactics may be the only 2 things stopping a tidal wave of veganism being unleashed" says Tony.

Vegan Is The New Black

PRWEB Press Release - The New Black

Vegan is the new black www.prleap.com

BBC - Radio 4 - Woman's Hour -Vegan children

BBC - Radio 4 - Woman's Hour -Vegan children: "A vegan couple in American have been charged with child abuse for malnourishing their three small children."

Jenni asks Professor Tom Sanders, Head of Nutrition at King's College, London and Juliet Gellatley, Director of Vegetarian and Vegan Foundation what are the consequences of a dairy and meat free diet for growing bodies?

Birmingham Health Outbreak may cause epidemic say experts

ClickPress | Outbreak Strikes in Birmingham - Could lead to UK Epidemic Say Experts: "Outbreak Strikes in Birmingham - Could lead to UK Epidemic Say Experts


An outbreak of veganism in Birmingham on Saturday the 18th of June is predicted to cause an epidemic of ethical living, environmental responsibility and healthier eating throughout the UK.

As reported in the most recent issue of the New Scientist 'there is a rush to vegetarianism and veganism in the UK.'

Prior to The Vegan Society's 60th Anniversary and Diamond Jubilee celebrations there was only one Vegan festival per year in the capital. Now they are threatening to breakout all over the UK as more and more people become infected with a healthy, more ethical way of life that in one simple action makes an enormous difference to the future of the world.

Realfood, a not for profit educational vegan group, creators of the Vegan Buddy scheme and a number of helpful magazines and websites say 'Nearly everyone we meet at our vegan events, after tasting the new delicious vegan foods, agrees that veganism makes total sense. People are now as likely to ask 'why do you eat meat?', as 'why are you vegan?'

This is the first time there has been a vegan festival in the Midlands and as it's the heart of England it is much easier for everyone to get to. It's predicted we'll hit critical mass and it will start a domino effect throughout the country with vegan festivals, new vegan products and vegan menus popping up all over Britain.

'Unlike MRSA or Avian Flu this new epidemic will save human and animals lives and benefit the environment' Says Tony Bishop-Weston author of 'Vegan' by Hamlyn.

EDITORS NOTES

*Sponsored by the Vegan Society, Redwood Foods, and the CocoaTree


Heart of England Vegan Festival

24-7 Health Outbreak in Bitrmingham - Story

George Monbiot Says Go Vegan!

Tell people something they know already, and they will thank you for it. Tell them something new, and they will hate you for it.

George Monbiot - The Poor Get Stuffed: "it now seems plain that veganism is the only ethical response to what is arguably the world's most urgent social justice issue."

Tell us something new George! (or say it louder!)

In a Pickle? Premier buys Quorn for £172 Million

From small fungal beginings vegetarian trial blazer Quorn has now joined the ranks of the UK major brands such as Typhoo Tea and Branston Pickle after being purchaed from Marlow foods by Premier Foods for £172 million. Last year Quorn signed a deal with McDonalds making history as the big mac became big veg.

The vegetarian market is said to be now worth £630 million and one of the fatest growing categories of The UK food industry.

Premier Foods acquires Quorn brand owner: "172m deal for Marlow Foods

Premier Foods, owner of brands including Typhoo Tea, Branston and Crosse & Blackwell has agreed to acquire Marlow Foods owner of meat alternative Quorn in a 172m cash deal.
In the year to December 2004, Quorn sales were 79m, with the brand seeing an average annual sales growth rate of more than 7 per cent over the past five years. Marlow offers Quorn branded products including burgers, sausages, escalopes, cottage pies and lasagne.

Robert Schofield, chief executive of Premier Foods, said: 'This is a fantastic acquisition for Premier Foods. Quorn's strong brand recognition and leading category positions immediately provide Premier with a very strong branded position in an exciting growth market. Quorn is ideally placed to benefit from the increasing demand for healthy eating and the combination with Premier should accelerate its growth.

'Quorn fulfils all our acquisition criteria. It enhances our branded mix, it is UK focussed and meets all our financial hurdles. As well as being by far the largest brand in its category, it will be the largest brand in our portfolio.' "

Vegan Punks

Vegan Punks All over the World

Satya Jan 05: Interview with Isa Chandra: "When I first heard about the Post Punk Kitchen I got really excited about the idea to put together my two favorite things in the world: punk rock and really good vegan food. I'm wondering where that inspiration to put them together came from?
It's really good to hear that because when I thought of doing it, I thought no one would get it. But it was okay because it's public access. I was first of all bored, second of all cooking a lot, and third of all missing my punk rock roots, the punk scene and the DIY (Do It Yourself) aspect of things. "

Vegan Punks in Australia*Pogo Cafe London - Vegan Punks* The Post Punk Kitchen* London Punks*Straight Edge* SXE Striaght Edge* Vegan Straight Edge* BBC* PUNK ROCK

win LIVE8 - tickets

Win Tickets for Live 8 - Text This Number

LIVE8 - tickets: "Tickets for the LIVE 8 London concert in Hyde Park will be allocated via a text competition. The competition is open to UK and Channel Islands' residents aged 16 or over.

For the chance to win a pair of tickets to the London event send us your answer to this simple question:

What city is the forthcoming G8 summit being held near this July?
A) Berlin B) Moscow C) Edinburgh
Text A, B or C to 84599*

You can enter as many times as you like for a better chance of winning."

Each entry costs £1.50* plus your operator's standard text charge.

Live 8 - Live Aid * CCN Live 8 Live Aid * Radio 1 Live 8 and Sir Bob Geldof * BBC live8 Band Aid Live Aid* Live 8 with Virgin * Sir Bob Geldof * Sir Paul McCartney * Sir Elton John * Madonna

Vegetarian and Vegan Future Up For Sale

Vegetarian and Vegan Future Up For Sale: "Three major British based vegetarian food brands are up for sale as the world market for vegetarian and vegan foods heats up.
(PREWB) June 2, 2005 -- As Heinz announce that the vegetarian and vegan Linda McCartney brand is to join the list of vegetarian food brands looking for new owners, it seems certain that the vegetarian and vegan food market is about to see a big shake up.

Marlow foods the company behind mycoprotein meat replacement Quorn and Cauldron the UK�s top Tofu product manufacturer are also said to be up for grabs.

These companies could be ripe for a quick acquisition for someone with astute investment skills and who understand the real drivers behind the market despite the high price tags.

�For a team who truly understand the complex factors and aspirations behind the market for vegetarian and vegan foods and who have skills in innovative development these well known brands could be a key to change the world�s bleak future.� Says Tony Bishop-Weston from London Nutrition and Catering Consultants Foods For Life."

Meat eaters fight back

The Meat eaters are on the warpath in Cumbria and armed with Bacon.

News & Star: "

Published on 01/06/2005
By Pam McClounie

THE Vegetarian Society says it is "sickened" and "outraged" to hear that one of its members cars was covered in bacon in a freak attack in Carlisle.

The victim " a young woman from Ambleside " had parked her car in the shadow of Carlisle Castle with a sticker in the rear window proclaiming her membership of the Vegetarian Association.

On returning to her car last week which was National Vegetarian Week she discovered that someone had covered her car windscreen with rashers of bacon."

Fish added to milk to try to boost flagging sales

How crazy is the world - because they keep a cow in a shed instead of letting it walk around and eat clover the milk is full of saturated fats instead omega oils so then they feed the cow processed fish to try to put back in what modern farming methods have left out.

The solution is staring them in the face - just eat more green leafy veg, watercress, nuts and seeds, - cut out the middleman (the cow) and save the planet from rape of the oceans, waste of food, waste of water, animal polution of gas and pooh and waste of energy.

Natural Products Magazine: "With one of the highest rates of childhood obesity in Europe, along with recent trials that prove fatty acids and fish oils, such as omega-3 and omega-6, help with childhood brain function and common behavioural problems, the omega-3 milks are expected to benefit in the current climate. Marks and Spencer claims its Super Whole Milk contains 10 times more of the omega-3 fatty acids than regular milk.

But while the Dairy Crest milk contains an emulsion of fish oils added during the processing, and Marks and Spencer milk derives from cows fed on feed fortified with fish oils, the new milk products follow the introduction of omega-3 fortified eggs by Columus and Stonegate Farm, sales of which have been rising steadily."

Give Peas A Chance

peas.org: "Grab 5! School Menu Challenge 2005
The fourth Grab 5! School Menu Challenge is underway, with the finals at Thomas Danby College, Leeds, on the 22nd November 2005.
Secondary school students are being challenged to tempt primary kids' palates with their recipes for healthy school meals packed with five different types of fruit & veg and must include peas. Primary school children and experts will judge the meals.
The 'Challenge,' run by the charity Sustain, the alliance for better food and farming, earned national recognition and glowing tributes from successive Government public health ministers and schools in its first three years. Sponsored by the nation's vegetable growers and freezing companies, it will be even bigger and better this year.
Schools UK-wide have claimed significant benefits for both individual pupils and whole classes participating in the 'Challenge'. The certificates of commendation for all regional finalists and plaques for the schools have been much coveted. "

What is 5 a Day

Give Peas a Chance - Grab 5 for schools campaign

Man the Hunter is Poppycock

Kansas City infoZine - 'Man the Hunter' Theory Is Debunked in New Book - USA: "'Man the Hunter' Theory Is Debunked in New Book
You wouldn't know it by current world events, but humans actually evolved to be peaceful, cooperative and social animals.


Washington University, St. Louis, MO - In a new book, an anthropologist at Washington University in St. Louis goes against the prevailing view and argues that primates, including early humans, evolved not as hunters but as prey of many predators, including wild dogs and cats, hyenas, eagles and crocodiles.

Despite popular theories posed in research papers and popular literature, early man was not an aggressive killer, argues Robert W. Sussman, Ph.D., professor of anthropology in Arts & Sciences."


"One of the main defenses against predators by animals without physical defenses is living in groups," says Sussman. "In fact, all diurnal primates (those active during the day) live in permanent social groups. Most ecologists agree that predation pressure is one of the major adaptive reasons for this group-living. In this way there are more eyes and ears to locate the predators and more individuals to mob them if attacked or to confuse them by scattering. There are a number of reasons that living in groups is beneficial for animals that otherwise would be very prone to being preyed upon."

Vegetarianism reaches Iceland

Vegetarian History is made. Before we know it the Inuits and eskimos will be eating Tofu.Icelandic history - first veg banquet for Kalam:- - World News - Webindia123.com: "Icelandic history - first veg banquet for Kalam:-
Reykjavik | May 31, 2005 9:42:21 AM IST


Iceland created history when it hosted its first ever fully vegetarian state banquet to specially honour visiting Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, a vegetarian.

The menu for Monday's banquet -- which included a tomato and sprouts salad, a main course with aubergine and dessert -- perplexed many of the Icelanders invited to the event as also the sizeable non-vegetarian contingent in the presidents entourage.

Icelandic meals are rarely without fish or lamb, and a fully vegetarian meal was a novelty for most of the Nordic islands citizens at the banquet for 250."

Mirror.co.uk - News - IS IT END FOR LINDA BANGERS?

Mirror.co.uk - News - IS IT END FOR LINDA BANGERS?: "IS IT END FOR LINDA BANGERS?
By Daniel Boffey
LINDA McCartney's frozen veggie sausages are facing the axe.
In 1994, 500,000 were sold - more than ex-Beatle husband Sir Paul's record sales.
The Linda McCartney line is still among the most popular frozen vegetarian food range in Britain.
But Heinz, which owns it, is poised to sell. A spokesman said: 'Sadly the sausages are under review. We will report back in nine months.'
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The range was launched in 1991 and veggie Linda advised on packaging and design and promoted the products. When she died from cancer in 1998 it was worth 25million.
Sir Paul pledged to keep control of the brand after genetically-modified soya was found in some frozen sausages.
But in 1998, United Biscuits, which made all the products under licence to the McCartney family, sold to Heinz now said to be worth £190million. Sir Paul was unavailable for comment last night."