We all have our preferences and specific tastes in tv shows, movies, style, or fashion, and most definitely, in what we eat. If there’s a group of friends or coworkers all deciding on where to go for lunch or dinner, the real question is: What type of cuisine? Italian? Mediterranean? Asian-fusion? Or more specifically, what kind of food? Salad? Subs? Tacos? Burgers? The options are endless!- or so it seems.
Everyone, or mostly everyone, has that friend, the vegetarian friend who says they “don’t care where they eat, as long as there’s something they can eat.” But honestly, the options aren’t always as satisfying for vegetarians as it is for all our meat eating friends, but can anyone imagine being vegan with a group of friends, who aren’t?
It’s hard enough for vegetarians to have all the options carnivores do, but it has to be nearly impossible (that’s right, pun intended) for a vegan.
While the term vegan can mean someone is vegan for dietary, philosophical, ethical and/or environmental reasons, a dietary vegan is respectively considered a “strict vegetarian,” who won’t consume “meat, eggs, dairy products” or “any other animal- derived substances.” And even though it used to be very troublesome to find places to eat out, it isn’t as difficult as it once was for individuals on a plant-based only diet.
Now, there are more restaurants than ever that offer vegetarian and (limited) vegan options and substitutes. And some of those businesses include a few fast food places!
Not every fast food restaurant that we know and love has enough variety for those who don’t want a beef patty on their burger. But we also know, it was only a matter of time (and enough influence), to get the trend going. So, businesses like White Castle and Burger King offer a meat-free patty, like the “Impossible Burger” which is completely plant-based for people who want the same (or similar) great taste that isn’t exactly the same.
In today’s society, we really can’t expect to please everyone, and that means even the fast food burger joints who have tried to cater to their least likely of customers. But one man took it to another level, and decided to follow through with legal action.
“Burger King is reportedly being sued by a man who says its wildly popular meatless Impossible Whopper is being contaminated because it is cooked on the same grill as a regular burger.”
We can see where the guy is coming from, but not all of us, especially with this disclaimer, literally on Burger King’s website, and menu:
At an Atlanta, Georgia drive-through, Phillip Williams ordered an Impossible Whopper, Burger King’s plant-based alternative to it’s infamous Whopper. But afterwards, during legal proceedings, Williams claimed he “would not have paid a premium price” had he been aware BK’s method for cooking the patty would end up “coated in meat by-products.” And regardless some still feel they are on Williams’ side of this controversy, not everyone is. So, when the story went viral, Twitter did not hold back, but clearly stuck up for The King.
Even if the non-meat patty isn't cooked where actual beef has, I'm not optimistic that whole burger would be vegan. I think this person is just wanting attention. You can't sue the king! pic.twitter.com/5uiW0NPIhy
— EPuente86 (@EricPuenteRocks) November 19, 2019
Since the legal action began, in regards to the disclaimer or different cooking options offered, Williams’ lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.” Not to mention, Impossible Foods Inc, which helped create the Impossible Whopper for the well-known restaurant, stated they
“designed the product for meat eaters who want to consume less animal protein, not for vegans or vegetarians.”
And apparently, for those who are hard-core vegans:
“There is a microwave prep procedure that they’re welcome to ask for in any store.”
–Dana Worth, (Head of sales: Impossible Foods)
So, regardless of your personal preference, dietary needs, or restrictions, always read the menu! And be aware that when dining out, we might not have control over how our food is prepped, prepared, or served. So, dine out with caution, or just don’t go to where they serve items that could potentially be contaminated by other products.
