PETA promotes a former foe

PETA, the animal rights activist organization known for its splashy demonstrations against wearing fur and the treatment of chickens and other animals, picketed Burger King outlets in 2001 to protest the fast-food giant's treatment of animals killed to make hamburgers and other products. That year, Burger King agreed to require suppliers to follow standards of animal welfare.

Now PETA is taking a new tack. On its website, www.peta.org, they are promoting Burger King's veggie burgers. The web article -- which describes the patty being made with vegetables, grains, spices, served on a bun with shredded lettuce, tomato, and low-fat mayonnaise -- suggests that customers ask to have the burger microwaved "to avoid contamination with animal products on the grill."

Joanne Lichten, Burger King's nutritionist, says that the meatless burger has been on the menu since 2002, showing that the corporation is dedicated to this vegetarian product. She calls it an alternative for those who might eat a Chicken Whopper one day and then another time opt for a meatless option. McDonald's website says that although there are currently no veggie burgers on its menus, New York City locations are trying them out.

ALISON ARNETT