Identifying real vegetarian foods

DB Rampurthab has correctly and justifiably raised valid issues with regard to preparation of vegetarian meals in restaurants (“Vegetarians getting raw deal”, POST March 8, 2017), and requests for the SA Hindu Maha Sabha’s intervention.

The SA Hindu Maha Sabha’s trademark for identifying vegetarian products is the Shuddha logo. Vegetarians are urged not to purchase products which do not display the logo – as the ingredients may be questionable.

On the positive side, food manufacturers are realising the importance of the logo and its impact on the vegetarian and the Hindu community. Hence accreditations are growing. Certificates are issued to accredited manufacturers on an annual basis.

We have received complaints about restaurants and fast food outlets which do not strictly cater for vegetarians. In fact, we receive daily complaints from concerned vegetarians. Site visits revealed that the same fridges, warmers, grills, fryers and toasters are used to prepare vegetarian and nonvegetarian meals, and some restaurants have argued that it was not commercially viable to have separate facilities. The management of many of the

fast food franchises contended that very few patrons query their preparation process.

The onus lies on patrons to persist with regard to their religious dietary needs. There are a few restaurants that cater only for vegetarians.

The SA Hindu Maha Sabha is currently marketing and promoting the Shuddha logo which “protects” vegetarians. We urge consumers to refrain from engaging the services of any manufacturer or restaurant in which contamination exists. The public can also play an important role by submitting a list of restaurants that cater for vegetarians, and those that do not comply. This will then be displayed on our website.

MALA SARUPDEO Convener: Shuddha Committee SA Hindu Maha Sabha