Washington, DC — Today the nonprofit Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) called on the deceptively named Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) to stop misleading holiday travelers with its claim that non-vegetarian food is a bigger health threat than air safety. PCRM, a radical animal rights group masquerading as a mainstream health organization, congratulated airports that serve what it called “healthful” meals. Consistent with PCRM’s animal rights agenda, the survey’s top grades were reserved for restaurants that offer vegetarian meals.
PCRM has well-documented ties to the animal rights movement, including over $1.3 million in financing from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). More than two-thirds of its budget comes from the wealthy founder of the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida. And despite the words “Physicians Committee” in the group’s name, less than four percent of its members are actual physicians.
When PCRM’s airport food survey was released in 2004, The New York Times concluded: “[T]he physicians’ committee has a PETA link, and its food rankings reflect that agenda.”
“This is just another example of PCRM’s one-track animal rights agenda,” said David Martosko, CCF’s Director of Research. “There’s nothing wrong with eating vegetarian, but PCRM’s message – that meatless eating is the only healthy option for holiday travelers – is ridiculous. They should leave Americans alone, or at least own up to their real agenda.”
Martosko added: “Flying during the holidays is already difficult enough without worrying about dietary recommendations from a bunch of save-the-chicken radicals. Travelers should be able to enjoy a burger or a turkey sandwich without getting hassled by the tofu-and-sprouts crowd.”
