Real Ale campaigners are calling on brewers to find alternatives to the fish-derivative isinglass
Isinglass, a substance made from the swim bladders of fish, is routinely added to beer, whether in craft or large-scale production, to clarify it. The isinglass, which is colourless and tasteless, reacts chemically with the yeast and protein in the beer and drags them to the bottom of the cask, leaving clear beer above.
But with beer-drinkers including increasing numbers of vegetarians and vegans, the practice has attracted criticism.
The 2017 Good Beer Guide, published by Sustain member the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), is calling for brewers to review their procedures. A number of brewers are either producing unfined beer that is slightly cloudy or are using alternative clearing agents. For example the Marble Brewery in Manchester uses silica and Irish Moss as clearing agents: Irish Moss is also known as carrageen and is a type of seaweed.
Another Sustain member, the Vegetarian Society, is supporting the campaign. If your favourite beer doesn't yet carry the Vegetarian symbol, get in touch with the the Society via their website here and they will take it up with the brewer.
Find out more abot Sustain's policies for a greener, fairer food supply here.
Published Friday 16 September 2016
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
