Journalist Aarti Tikoo Singh recently sparked a heated discussion on social media after questioning Vistara Airlines’ practice of labeling in-flight meals as “Hindu meals” and “Muslim meals.” Singh expressed concern that such labeling reinforces communal stereotypes, asking why these labels suggest all Hindus are vegetarian and all Muslims are non-vegetarian. She took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice her frustration, sharing a screenshot from her flight from Srinagar to Jammu where she had booked meals under both categories.
Hello @airvistara, why the hell is vegetarian meal called “Hindu meal” and chicken meal called “Muslim meal” on your flights? Who told you that all Hindus are vegetarian and all Muslims are non-vegetarian? Why are you thrusting food choices on people? Who authorised you to do… pic.twitter.com/46w4avU7Vs
— Aarti Tikoo Singh (@AartiTikoo) August 27, 2024
Singh’s post quickly gained attention, with some users clarifying that these meal labels are not specific to Vistara but are part of a broader system used by airlines globally. According to industry experts, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) assigns standardized codes for meals, such as “Hindu Meal (HNML)” and “Muslim Meal (MOML),” to ensure consistency across the aviation sector.
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Meal Codes Explained
Sanjay Lazar, CEO of Avialaz Consultants, explained that a “Hindu Meal” doesn’t necessarily mean vegetarian, but rather a non-Halal meal that could include meat. On the other hand, a “Muslim Meal” typically adheres to Halal standards. This explanation was supported by aviation veteran Sanjiv Kapoor, who noted that these codes are internationally recognized and suggested that updating them might reduce confusion and better reflect modern sensibilities.
Vistara’s Meal Offerings
Interestingly, Vistara’s official website doesn’t explicitly mention “Hindu” or “Muslim” meals. Instead, the airline offers several vegetarian options like “Vegetarian Vegan Meal (VGML),” “Vegetarian Jain Meal (VJML),” and “Vegetarian Lacto-ovo Meal (VLML).”
Call for Modernizing Meal Labels
Singh’s post has reignited discussions about whether current meal labeling practices reflect outdated stereotypes. The debate highlights the importance of evolving these codes to align with modern dietary preferences and sensitivities.
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