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LONDON: British Airways (BA) has taken beef off its menu for economy-class passengers on most international flights in a bid to avoid offending Hindus.

The carrier, whose second-biggest long-haul market is to India, has instead switched to a fish pie or a chicken portion, citing "religious restrictions", British newspaper the 'Daily Mail' reported on Friday.

"We can only serve two options and beef and pork obviously have religious restrictions. We have to try to use two meals, which appeal to as many customers as possible. This summer season we are offering customers in World Traveler on most long-haul fligh ts a choice of chicken and fish pie.

"We also look at trends from major supermarkets to see what types of meals are popular and fish pie style meals are selling well at the moment. These two meals proved popular in tasting tests and are also proving popular on board.

"We are still serving beef based meals on certain menus in first class and club world and are currently deciding on whether or not to use beef on the menus for World Traveler customers for the winter season," a Spokesperson for British Airways was quoted as saying.

The Hindu Council in the United Kingdom has welcomed the decision. A Spokesperson said: "The Hindu community will welcome this decision and the news it has been made partly because Hindus don't eat beef".

"Hindus have a great deal of respect for British culture and are well integrated into the British way of life, so it's good to see evidence of how they are literally flying the British flag by choosing British Airways".

"Hindus are tolerant of the beliefs of others and do not expect everyone to stop eating a food because they do not eat it". - PTI

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