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Air India serves a controversy with ‘Hindu’, ‘Moslem’ inflight meals

Naming the meals based on religion rather than on dietary preference has raised questions.

South First Desk

Published Jun 17, 2024 | 1:25 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 17, 2024 | 1:25 PM

Air India has included Hindu and Moslem meals in its inflight menu. (Representational pic/Air India/Facebook).

Air India has included Hindu and Moslem meals in its inflight menu. (Representational pic/Air India/Facebook).

On Monday, 17 June, Congress MP from Virudhunagar, Manickam Tagore raised concern about Air India’s labelling meals on the basis of religion.

Sharing a screenshot of the Air India website, the MP questioned what is a “Hindu” or “Moslem” meal.

Demanding action from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Congress leader further questioned, “Have Sanghis captured Air India?”

However, it is unclear when the meals based on religion were added to the Air India menu.

Naming the meals based on religion rather than on dietary preference has raised questions, more so as even the Non-vegetarian meal of Air India specifies they do not serve beef or pork

Also Read: Uncooked food, worn out seats: Air India business-class flyer recounts ‘nightmarish’ flight to US

‘Hindu, Moslem’ meals

The dining experience page on the Air India website lists details of their inflight meals, for the passengers to select.

Passengers have flagged meals based on religion, especially, Hindu and Moslem food. (Screenshot)

Passengers have flagged meals based on religion, especially, Hindu and Moslem food. (Screenshot)

The page reads, “With a range of meal choices that consider the richness of Indian and international cuisines, we offer delectable delights for all.”

While the meal preferences range from diabetic meals to child meals, the presence of meals based on religion has raised concern.

The “Hindu meal” specifies that, “For passengers from the Hindu community, menus prepared in an Indian cuisine style may include chicken, fish, eggs, vegetables, starches, or dairy products.”

The “Moslem meal” specifies, “For passengers from the Moslem community, menus prepared in an Indian cuisine style are prepared per Muslim dietary requirements in a certified halal kitchen.”

While there is not much difference between the descriptions of both the meals, the “Moslem meal” specifies they are made in halal certified kitchen.

However, naming the meals based on religion rather than on dietary preference has raised questions, more so as the non-vegetarian meal of Air India specifies they do not serve beef or pork, which are considered a taboo for a section of Hindus and Muslims, respectively.

The description of a non-vegetarian meal reads: “Passengers requesting this meal may be offered the non-vegetarian option in varying cuisine styles from our inflight menu. On Air India flights, beef, pork and their by-products are not served.”

It may also be noted that Air India has been serving “Jain” and “Kosher” meals based on the dietary preferences of the Jain, which do not contain any root vegetables, such as onions, garlic, or animal products.

While “Kosher” meals available on specific international flights serve according to the ” Jewish dietary requirements in a certified kosher kitchen.”

‘Indian meal to Hindu meal’

A user by the name Sanjay Gandhi, sharing the screenshot questioned what is a “Hindu meal?”

Another user wrote: “From Indian meal to Hindu meal.. btw, Air India now managed by Tata right?”

While another user sarcastically applauded Air India for stepping ahead of the right wing.

Noting that many international airlines have similar options, a user wrote: “So they are carrying fwd the international travel definition to local too probably bcos common kitchen.”

However, as mentioned above, according to the Air India website, none of their meals serve beef or pork.

(Edited by Sumavarsha Kandula)

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