BBC North has decided to launch ‘meat-free Mondays’ at its canteen at its headquarters at MediaCity, in Salford.
According to national and regional press, a leaked internal memo to staff reads that the decision was made to “help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water use and land use,” while also allegedly stressing health benefits stemming from skipping meat once a week.
The decision has sparked controversy among BBC employees, who have challenged the decision on social media, saying that the removal of meat from the menu takes away their right to free-choice.
BBC Sport presenter Will Perry noted on Twitter: “Any burger companies want to set up outside Media City for Meat Free Mondays which are being forced upon us next week? Surely an April Fools!”
According to the Manchester Evening News, another BBC staff member has commented: “I find this totally discriminatory against meat eaters. How dare my employer dictate like this to me.” Other news outlets have reported similar comments from BBC sources.
A BBC spokesperson told Meat Management that the decision relates “specifically to what is sold at our Salford canteen on Mondays,” with staff being able to “bring in any food they want to or buy it from other outlets”.
He added: “We're surprised by the interest in the menu of our Salford canteen, some of our favourites are Wednesday roasts and fish and chips Fridays."
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
