VEGANS are being unfairly discriminated against by restrictions on government-funded food vouchers because they cannot be exchanged for plant and nut milks, say campaigners.
The Vegan Society said it could be forced to take legal action against NHS Scotland unless health chiefs allow its new Best Start vouchers to be spent on non-dairy milk.
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The charity says the restriction imposed by the NHS on the purchase of plant milk will "unfairly and unreasonably" disadvantage vegans.
The vouchers will replace the existing Healthy Start scheme in summer 2019.
It will allow some pregnant women and parents of young children to claim free vouchers to spend on fruit and vegetables and milk - but only cows' milk.
It is intended to encourage an increase in the consumption of calcium, vitamins and minerals.
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However, campaigners said alternative milks made from soybeans, rice, almonds and other nuts provided equal or greater amounts of calcium, and in unsweetened versions were also low in sugar.
Dr Jeanette Rowley, Vegan Rights Advocate at The Vegan Society, and solicitor Edie Bowles from Advocates for Animals said the scheme also could be “inadvertently discriminatory” and unlawful under the terms of the Equality Act 201 because veganism is a "protected philosophical belief".
As a result, public authorities such as NHS Scotland must ensure their needs are considered by policymakers.
Vegans shun meat, dairy and animal products for ethical reasons linked to animal welfare, as well as on environmental and health grounds.
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Dr Rowley said: “The aim of the new Best Start voucher scheme is to support healthy eating.
"The Scottish Government has already acknowledged the nutritional benefits of plant milk, and has no lawful grounds to restrict the purchase of milk to cow milk only.
“This proposed restriction unfairly disadvantages vegans and may constitute discrimination under equality law.”
Heather Russell, dietitian at The Vegan Society, added: “It is important for everyone to eat calcium-rich foods daily and fortified plant milk plays an important role in vegan nutrition.
“In fact, the UK’s Eatwell Guide recognises that fortified plant milk represents a valuable alternative to cow’s milk.
"Calcium content is comparable and the soya variety is similar to cow’s milk in terms of protein quantity and quality.”
The Vegan Society has sent the letter to NHS Scotland prompting it to remove the restriction on the purchase of plant milk and ensure that any supplement included in the scheme contains a vegan-friendly source of vitamin D.
The NHS has 14 days to respond to the letter, after which The Vegan Society will be considering legal options.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We are replacing Healthy Start Vouchers currently provided to families on low income benefits with Best Start Foods payment cards, opening up more choices for families.
"Best Start Foods will provide the payment cards to families on qualifying benefits, and are focused on supporting expectant mothers and children up to three years old.
“We conducted a public consultation on welfare foods in July 2018, and fully considered all the responses we received.
"The consultation helped shape the provision of Best Start Foods, which includes milk - including first infant formula milk – fresh, tinned and frozen fruit and vegetables, eggs and pulses.
“We are engaging with the Vegan Society and we note the concerns raised.”
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