Why Can't GM Answer a Simple Bloody Question?
2/09/2005
One of my little closet cravings is Totino's cheese pizzas, folded over like a taco and crammed into my mouth. I know it sounds horribly unhealthy, but who doesn't have something awkward in their diet? Since I learned about animal rennet, I have excised most frozen pizzas from my diet (which helps my waistline a little). But I still crave them, so I decided to ask General Mills:
Original Message:
My parner and I are lacto-ovo vegetarians. We wish to know if the Totino's and Jeno's Cheese pizzas are suitable for our diet. Is the cheese processed with animal, vegetable or microbial rennet? Does the sauce and crust contain any animal-derived products (aside from milk and eggs)? If you have a list already prepared that details what products are suitable for vegetarians, I'd also appreciate receiving this as well. Thank you!
Dear Mr. Svengali:
Thank you for contacting Pillsbury with your inquiry. We would like to answer all the questions we receive about our company and our products, but regret we are unable to provide you with the information you requested. We appreciate your interest.
Sincerely,
K. R.
General Mills Consumer Services
It would take the same amount of white space to give a yes or no answer. It would also help clarify a detail that many other companies already have posted on their web sites (thank you Frito Lay). So what's the point in having Customer Service if it doesn't service the customer? If all the CSR is doing is protecting the interests of the Company and withholding important dietary information, then why call them CSRs at all? It's not like cheesemaking is a secret art; it's been around for thousands of years, and the process is relatively simple. And the question is simple. And completely within the right of the consumer to know.
An "I don't know" answer would have been better. "Sorry, but we can't guarantee that our products are suitable" would have been better.
Another thing: there are millions of vegetarians that need to know this information. By refusing to provide these simple details, GM cuts out a small chunk of their business. They are saying basically that they don't give a rat's ass about the dietary needs of millions of consumers. Which doesn't look too good in my opinion.
I suppose I shouldn't care. Corporations are inherently evil, anyhow. It doesn't surprise me. But if Frito-Lay can post this info on their web site, GM should be able to at least answer an email inquiry. Needless to say, I won't be buying GM products anymore, not if I can help it. Not until they answer my question. Maybe I'll write them back?
Guess I'll stick to Amy's brand. Organic is healthier anyhow.
posted by Edward Svengali @ Wednesday, February 09, 2005,
