Another QF catering fail

[Captain hum]

Then does this also extend to Leather products that are worn or used?

It will do . I'm certainly not chucking out all of my leather shoes, but I won't be buying any more leather/animal products from here on in.

 

[opusman]

This thread looks destined to rapidly go seriously off-topic...

 

[juddles]

as it should....

 

[MEL_Traveller]

While Customer Care will reply to the OP in more detail about their experience, I thought you may appreciate a general update about the gelatine.

Our Quality Assurance team have confirmed with Rowie’s Cakes that the type of gelatine used in their Rocky Road cake is of seaweed origin, and therefore suitable for a VGML (vegan meal).

We’re currently following up with the supplier regarding labelling of ingredients on the packaging to avoid confusion moving forward.

Indeed, and that would be a good message to share with travelling folk. Many people would not like the thought of animal gelatine even without the vegetarian or religious/cultural requirements.

Agree. Searching the internet for 'gelatine' and 'Rowie's Cakes' brings up a couple of bulletin board discussions, with vegetarians saying it is disappointing they can't eat the Rocky Road because it contains gelatine.

Rowie's Cakes confirmed in 2010 their Rocky Road contained gelatine (animal derived) and that they were looking to source marshmallows without gelatine.

However - it seems strange the company hasn't changed their labels to include a whole bunch of people who are avoiding their product as it isn't suitable for vegetarians.

I'm not sure, technically, that gelatine can be vegetarian? Therefore there isn't really any confusion on the label as it currently stands. If it is a seaweed derived thickening product, then it won't be 'gelatine'. It will be something else?

 

[Pushka]

Agree. Searching the internet for 'gelatine' and 'Rowie's Cakes' brings up a couple of bulletin board discussions, with vegetarians saying it is disappointing they can't eat the Rocky Road because it contains gelatine.

Rowie's Cakes confirmed in 2010 their Rocky Road contained gelatine (animal derived) and that they were looking to source marshmallows without gelatine.

However - it seems strange the company hasn't changed their labels to include a whole bunch of people who are avoiding their product as it isn't suitable for vegetarians.

I'm not sure, technically, that gelatine can be vegetarian? Therefore there isn't really any confusion on the label as it currently stands. If it is a seaweed derived thickening product, then it won't be 'gelatine'. It will be something else?

Agar rings a bell?

 

[Nickor]

To get this back on topic...

During July & August, I had 11 flights with QF. Of these, 5 were refreshment only flights. The other 6, I ordered gluten intolerant meals. Of those 6, the special meal wasn't loaded twice. Both of these occasions the meal was breakfast and I was travelling in J. A 33% failure rate. No chance of meeting that KPI!

Am I upset about it? Not really. I get that it is a service fail, but when I was diagnosed with Coeliac disease 20 years ago, I decided it was my responsibility to manage my diet. This includes dinner at a friend's house, eating at a restaurant, or when travelling. I am grateful that QF at least have the option of a gluten intolerant meal. The only choice really when flying domestically.

I have never had a fail on QFi.

To minimize any convenience from a catering fail, I try to eat in the lounge and always carry snacks with me. I would do this even if I didn't require a special meal because, for some reason, flying always makes me hungry .

 

[Pushka]

To get this back on topic...

During July & August, I had 11 flights with QF. Of these, 5 were refreshment only flights. The other 6, I ordered gluten intolerant meals. Of those 6, the special meal wasn't loaded twice. Both of these occasions the meal was breakfast and I was travelling in J. A 33% failure rate. No chance of meeting that KPI!

Am I upset about it? Not really. I get that it is a service fail, but when I was diagnosed with Coeliac disease 20 years ago, I decided it was my responsibility to manage my diet. This includes dinner at a friend's house, eating at a restaurant, or when travelling. I am grateful that QF at least have the option of a gluten intolerant meal. The only choice really when flying domestically.

I have never had a fail on QFi.

To minimize any convenience from a catering fail, I try to eat in the lounge and always carry snacks with me. I would do this even if I didn't require a special meal because, for some reason, flying always makes me hungry .

The last couple of posts are perfectly on topic.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Agar rings a bell?

I think that's right. (But that's not gelatine!)

Back in 2010 Rowie's reply to an internet forum said they were looking to have the 'marshies' made with guar gum.

 

[RooFlyer]

Agar rings a bell?

Agar was what we grew bacteria colonies on, in petri dishes at uni :shock:

 

[Nickor]

The last couple of posts are perfectly on topic.

I was referring to the post by Opusman, the last post when I started my reply. Will try to be quicker next time!

 

[Captain hum]

Agar rings a bell?

Gelatine is animal products (derived from skin and bones of various animals)
Agar is derived from seaweed

 

[JessicaTam]

While Customer Care will reply to the OP in more detail about their experience, I thought you may appreciate a general update about the gelatine.

Our Quality Assurance team have confirmed with Rowie’s Cakes that the type of gelatine used in their Rocky Road cake is of seaweed origin, and therefore suitable for a VGML (vegan meal).

We’re currently following up with the supplier regarding labelling of ingredients on the packaging to avoid confusion moving forward.

Thanks Red Roo. I appreciate the feedback and general information. FWIW as long as the product is labelled 'gelatin' it will be regarded as animal based, by definition. Even if it is now seaweed based.

 

[JessicaTam]

Agar rings a bell?

Gelatine is animal products (derived from skin and bones of various animals)
Agar is derived from seaweed

I suggest that Howies relabel their packaging from gelatin to agar sooner rather than later.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I suggest that Howies relabel their packaging from gelatin to agar sooner rather than later.

This is why it's a bit confusing. The answer should have outright been 'we no longer use gelatine' if that's the case.

 

[medhead]

QF cater for thousands of passengers a day with dietry needs occasionaly they will get it wrong as its humans who are working for them. Just remember that.

As the missing AVML is an ongoing thing for the OP, it is terrific news to know that the OP is taking all the occasional wrongs. That means my meal will always be right. Well done, taking one for the team JessicaTam.

Meat in vego isn't serious unless the recipient has an allergy. But none the less the mistake shouldn't be made. If all you have to complain about is a vego meal not being loaded on a 1 hour flight, then QF aren't doing too badly.

People don't have to die for something to be a serious mistake.

 

[JessicaTam]

As the missing AVML is an ongoing thing for the OP, it is terrific news to know that the OP is taking all the occasional wrongs. That means my meal will always be right. Well done, taking one for the team JessicaTam.

Happy to be of service.

But surely it is someone else's turn.

 

[medhead]

Happy to be of service.

But surely it is someone else's turn.

You must just be a really giving person. Looking out for everyone else.

 

[katiebell]

If an airline offers a specific meal then the pax should get what they select. I have always ordered VLML (lacto-ovo veggie) and always get VGML (vegan): this is completely different and not what i want to eat.

As to the posters' 'its only a 1 hour flight': that may be but if I'm delayed en route to the airport there is often not enough time to eat in the lounge and it can be 2030 - 2100 by the time I get home, even later if staying in a hotel overnight & I really do not want to be eating that late so a hot meal on the plane is helpful but only if it is edible. Even more so if the advertising promotes a meal and the choice of ariline is made because of the offer.

The MEL-SYD hot meal is always the same inedible vegan clag. Regardless of inedibility, it is not a VLML that was selected from the list of options and not what i ordered. Complaints to QF do not even get a response.

To those who think that wanting a veggie meal is just too fussy, why don't the airlines get rid of all meat in meals and only offer a vegetarian meal. That would cater for most of teh dietary restrictions (Kosher and vegan being exceptions and they could be part of a much smaller special meals list) and I'm sure all the people who think the content of the meal does not matter wil be quite happy eating a meat-free meal

 

[mannej]

To those who think that wanting a veggie meal is just too fussy, why don't the airlines get rid of all meat in meals and only offer a vegetarian meal. That would cater for most of teh dietary restrictions (Kosher and vegan being exceptions and they could be part of a much smaller special meals list) and I'm sure all the people who think the content of the meal does not matter wil be quite happy eating a meat-free meal

Let's be realistic - that suggestion would go down like a lead balloon, hence why it won't occur.

 

[Isochronous]

To provide a counterpoint - on the 1950 ADL-MEL tonight - the lamb curry with naan bread was delicious. Best domestic Y meal I've ever head - actually edible and quite tasty. Somewhat unusually the CSM even announced the meal choices on the PA. Well done ADL catering team!