Carleton’s Dining Services have unveiled a new food labelling initiative for on-campus food services to distinguish between vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free items.
Jane Skapinker, Dining Services’ registered dietitian, said the logos will be on menu boards and items across campus.
“I’d like students to know that even though we feed thousands of people per day, we always have time to talk to you and make special accommodations if need be,” Skapinker said.
Vegetarian items will be labeled if the food does not contain any meat products. Food items labeled vegan will not include any animal products, including dairy or eggs.
Foods labeled halal will be items that follow Islamic religious laws on consuming food. Some of these laws include specific ways to kill the animal being consumed and the methods used to process the meat. Gluten-free items will be completely gluten-free to help students who are gluten intolerant.
Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA)-owned businesses like Oliver’s Pub and Rooster’s Coffeehouse already have labels designating foods as halal or vegetarian on their menus, according to vice-president (finance) Craig Handy.
Handy said CUSA will expand their labelling system based on student request and reception to the initiative introduced by Carleton.
The Graduate Students’ Association-owned Mike’s Place bar offers a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and halal options as well, according to staff member and master’s student Ellen McKennirey.
McKennirey said that although the items are not labeled on the menu, students can request a sheet that details which menu items follow certain dietary restrictions. She added Mike’s Place does not have plans to add new menu items soon, but students are generally receptive of items already available.
Third-year public affairs and policy management student Nour El-Nader said she does not purchase food on campus because home-food is a healthier alternative, but thinks the initiative is appealing.
“I think the initiative is a really good option for students who are living on-campus from different religions or who follow different diets,” El-Nader said. “[The initiative] includes these people and integrates them into the food system we have at Carleton.”
– With files from News Editors
