Last year, PETA held nearly 1,000 demonstrations at Burger King restaurants throughout North America, criticizing the fast-food giant for the cruel treatment of animals killed for its products. Now, PETA is urging activists to put down their protest signs and put on their bibs.

In June 2001, following PETA’s six-month campaign, Burger King agreed to hold its suppliers accountable for upgraded standards of animal welfare. Now, Burger King has become the first fast-food restaurant in America to add a veggie burger (already available in Europe and Canada) to all U.S. locations.

The “BK Veggie” includes a patty made of vegetables, grains, and spices, shredded lettuce, two tomato slices, and reduced-fat mayonnaise. It contains 330 calories and 10 grams of fat, including 2 grams of saturated fat. You can ask servers to hold the mayo (which will also cut 3 grams of fat) and have the burger microwaved in order to avoid contamination with animal products on the grill.

Veggie burgers are already available at most major restaurant chains, but Burger King has surged ahead of its fast-food competition with this move. PETA hopes that everyone will give the new BK Veggie a royal welcome.

Please write or call Burger King's CEO to thank him for the introduction of the veggie burger at his restaurants nationwide:

Brad Blum, CEO
Burger King Corporation
5505 Blue Lagoon Dr
Miami, FL  33126
Tel.: 305-378-3000

For a free vegetarian starter kit, please click here.