Controversy Over Vistara’s Meal Labels: The Real Reason Behind the ‘Hindu’ and ‘Muslim’ Designations

**Mumbai —** Vistara has faced backlash after journalist Aarti Tikoo Singh criticized the airline for labeling its in-flight meals as “Hindu” and “Muslim.” Tikoo accused the airline of communalizing food by categorizing vegetarian options as “Hindu meals” and chicken meals as “Muslim meals,” questioning the implications of such designations.

In a pointed critique, Singh asked, “Who told you that all Hindus are vegetarian and all Muslims are non-vegetarian?” She expressed concern that these labels could contribute to further communal divides and questioned whether such designations should extend to food choices on flights. To illustrate her frustration, Singh shared a screenshot of her booking, which showed both “Hindu meal” and “Moslem meal” options for a flight from Srinagar to Jammu.

Explanation Behind Meal Designations

Several social media users clarified that these meal labels are not unique to Vistara but are standardized across the aviation industry. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) provides these meal codes to ensure consistency and efficiency in meal management across airlines.

According to Sanjay Lazar, CEO of Avialaz Consultants, “A Hindu Meal (HNML) is not necessarily a vegetarian meal; it could be a non-vegetarian meal that is not Halal.” Similarly, a “Moslem meal (MOML)” refers to a non-vegetarian meal prepared according to Halal standards. These codes are used globally to streamline meal service, but they may not reflect dietary preferences or religious practices accurately.

v Kapoor, former CEO-designate of Jet Airways, acknowledged the outdated nature of these codes. He noted, “These are standard international meal codes used globally across GDS-based airlines, not just by Vistara.” Kapoor suggested that there is a need for IATA or relevant bodies to update these terms to better align with contemporary understanding and sensitivities.

Vistara’s website does not use the terms “Hindu” or “Muslim” for its meal options. Instead, the airline offers a range of vegetarian choices, including the “Vegetarian Vegan Meal (VGML),” “Vegetarian Jain Meal (VJML),” and “Vegetarian Lacto-ovo Meal (VLML),” catering to various dietary needs without religious connotations.

The debate highlights the complexities of meal labeling in the aviation industry and raises important questions about how best to address dietary preferences and sensitivities in a global context.