Nov 13, 2015 12:20 PM EST
Guinness, Removed Isinglass Content, Making It Suitable for Vegetarian

A much cherished 256-year-old Irish stout brand name, Guinness, had let go of using isinglass as a component of its filtration procedure.

So now, the drink will be more appropriate for those vegetarians and vegans that have been trying to persuade the brand's decision for years to make changes.

Isinglass is a collagen that can be produced from a dried fish bladder.  It is used by brewers all over the century to filter its beer but is very unsuitable especially for vegetarians.

A spokesman from Guiness said: 'While isinglass is a very effective means of clarification and has been used for many years, we expect to stop using it as the new filtration asset is introduced.'

'We are conscious that its use may represent a barrier to consumption of our products to some. As part of our ongoing efforts to further improve the way we make our products, we are seeking alternatives to isinglass,' he added.

The company's decision is something the vegan community can celebrate. Spokesperson for The Vegan Society, Jimmy Pierce told FEMAIL: 'It's fantastic to see a world-renowned brewer listen to its consumers and tweak its methods. Using fish bladders in brewing is such an unnecessary archaic practice, so this is brilliant news, if a long time coming - 256 years!'

Even though Guinness is approaching a way to suits vegetarians, some of their products remain incompatible for vegan because it somewhat contains different animal-derived ingredients.

'It also makes clear commercial sense. Guinness are now opening up their market to a fast-growing number of vegans worldwide - numbers in the UK have roughly doubled in the past nine years. Guinness's sales will no doubt swell and we expect to see their peers follow suit and do away with isinglass as well,' Pierce said with hope.

As part of the filtration process, products like beers from Abbey Ales, Carling and Adnams are still using isinglass. Together with it are wines from Cloudy Bay vineyard, Martini or Manhattan cocktails, those Coca-cola's product like Lilt, Lilt Zero, Kia Ora Orange Squash and Schweppes Orange Squash.

The companies are already contacted for their comments. Meanwhile, Stephen Colbert of The Late Show had started a petition so that Guinness will still keep the fish gelatin. About 14,000 people had signed in the petition.

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