Dr. Seuss’ Tofu Scram and Vegan Sham Ham? PETA Calls For Update

For Immediate Release:
March 2, 2023

Contact:
Melissa Ortiz 202-483-7382

On Dr. Seuss’ birthday today and following Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ decision to revise the author’s previously unpublished sketches to make them more inclusive, PETA has sent a letter to the company’s CEO and president, Susan Brandt, asking for Green Eggs and Ham to be revised, too—to make it vegan-friendly.

PETA notes that changing the book’s title to Tofu Scram and Vegan Sham Ham would make the story inclusive for the many families who don’t eat meat, eggs, and dairy over concerns for animals, their own health, or the environment or for religious reasons.

“In Dr. Seuss’ words, ‘a person’s a person, no matter how small,’ and that includes the pigs killed for ham and the hens crammed into filthy sheds for eggs,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “In 2023, any dish can be made vegan, and PETA is eager to see Tofu Scram and Vegan Sham Ham teach today’s young readers that it’s easy to choose compassion, whether we’re eating here, there, or anywhere.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat” and which opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview—offers a kid’s guide to going vegan on its website, along with recommendations for the best egg-free eggs (including Simply Eggless and WunderEggs) and vegan hams (including slices and roasts by Tofurky). For more information, please visit PETA.org, listen to The PETA Podcast, or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

PETA’s letter to Brandt follows.

March 2, 2023

Susan Brandt, CEO and President

Dr. Seuss Enterprises

Dear Ms. Brandt:

I’m writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals—PETA entities have more than 9 million members and supporters globally, and PETA U.S. is the largest animal rights organization in the world—following decisions to revise Dr. Seuss sketches in order to create new inclusive storylines and ahead of his birthday with a winning-est suggestion we hope you’ll eat up. Would you please also consider revising Green Eggs and Ham to avoid the appearance of supporting the cruelty to animals that is now rife in the meat and egg industries? An animal-friendly and inclusive version would appeal to those who don’t eat meat, eggs, and dairy for ethical, environmental, health, or religious reasons.

Sam-I-Am has every reason to dislike (green) eggs and ham, and all children have good reason to be revolted by the way animals are exploited for eggs and ham. PETA’s exposés of factory farms are enough to make anyone lose their lunch. Hundreds of pigs are murdered every hour for food. They endure stressful crowding and routine mutilations, such as castration and tail docking—without any pain relief. They’re also sent on a terrifying journey to the slaughterhouse, where they squeal in panic and pain as they’re hung upside down and their throats are slit. The more than 300 million chickens exploited each year for their eggs endure nightmarish conditions for two years or more. Their beaks are seared off with a burning-hot blade, and they’re kept in cages so small that they cannot lift a single wing. Male chicks are suffocated or thrown into macerators—high-speed grinders—often while still conscious. Once hens’ bodies are exhausted and their egg production declines, they’re violently killed in slaughterhouses. Plus, eggs are cholesterol bombs, ham is a processed meat linked to various types of cancer, and animal agriculture is devastating for the environment.

With widely available and delicious vegan ham, like Tofurky’s Plant-Based Ham Style Roast, and vegan eggs, such as WunderEggs, anyone can still enjoy their favorite meals here, there, and anywhere, without supporting cruelty to animals.

A simple name change from Green Eggs and Ham to Tofu Scram and Vegan Sham Ham would move mountains and remind Dr. Seuss fans to be kind to all species. It would also be a great way to encourage children and their parents to try new foods that are healthier for them and better for the environment.

Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to hearing from you.

Very truly yours,

Ingrid Newkirk

President