Frequently Asked Questions

What are the aims of the The Vegetarian/Vegan Society of Queensland?

* encourage vegetarianism as a humane and responsible lifestyle
* provide information relating to vegetarianism
* foster social contact among vegetarians and people interested in vegetarianism

What are the benefits of being a member?

Members are invited to Society events such as dinners and cooking classes where they can socialize with people from a vast range of backgrounds who share a common interest in the issues surrounding vegetarianism. They receive the national magazine New Vegetarian and Natural Health, along with the Society newsletter Vital! They′re also entitled to discounts from various businesses such as restaurants, food bars, and natural healers. Join the society

What resources does the society have?

The Society has a library of books and videos for loan to members, and offers a considerable range for sale, as well as other merchandise such as t-shirts and fridge magnets. Details of items for sale are provided to members on joining, or are available by contacting the Society

How much does membership cost?

For the full membership details see:
Join the society

What if I am not a vegetarian but want to become a member?

Associate membership is available to people who aren't vegetarian, but are sympathetic to vegetarianism and the aims of the Society. This is at the same price as regular membership. Join the society

What is a vegetarian?

A vegetarian is a person who eats no meat (including fish or chicken) or seafood.

What is a Vegan?

A vegan is a person who
* eats no meat, seafood, eggs or dairy
* avoids wearing clothes and accessories made from animals eg leather shoes
* tries not to use products derived from or tested on animals
Vegans also don't use honey, as this is taken from bees.

Why should I become a vegetarian?

While there are several reasons why people become vegetarian, four of the main ones are:
* to spare animals pain and death
* to maintain or improve health
* to preserve the environment
* to support efficient food production.

Which Additives Contain Animal Products?

If a manufacturer can stick some part of an animal in something, chances are they probably will. Learn to be a fastidious label reader and avoid products not properly labelled unless you know for sure that they are suitable for vegans. Buy products from companies who make their stance on animal products known. Look out for ethically vegan companies and support them when possible.

Some foods have "E" numbers listed in the ingredients, with no mention as to the source of these E numbers. Ones to definitely avoid include:

120 - cochineal
542 - edible bone phosphate
631 - sodium 5'-inosinate
901 - beeswax
904 - shellac
920 - L-cysteine hydrochloride

Un-numbered:
calcium mesoinositol hexaphosphate, lactose, sperm oil, spermaceti

Possibly animal derived:

101, 101a, 153, 203, 213, 227, 270, 282, 302, 322, 325, 326, 327, 333, 341a, 341b, 341c, 404, 422, 430, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 470, 471, 472a, 472b, 472c, 472d, 472e, 473, 474, 475, 476, 477, 478, 481, 482, 483, 491, 492, 493, 494, 495, 570, 572, 627, 635

Un-numbered:

calcium hepatonate, calcium phytate, diacetin-glyceryl, glyceryl diacetate, glyceryl triacetate, glycine, leucine, monoacetate, monoacetin, oxystearin, triacetin and any unspecified flavourings.
(Courtesy of Vegan-List)

How do I eliminate the use of animal skins for clothing and other uses?

The best place to start is to visit the Leather Substitutes Resource Guide.

Are Promite, Vegemite, or Marmite vegan?

Australian Marmite by Sanitarium is vegan.
Masterfoods now says that because Promite contains lactose in the yeast extract it is not suitable for vegans.
Kraft Vegemite is suitable 6 months of the year - check if there's a K by the use-by date - if so it's OK. (The other 6 months they make a meat product using same equipment).