Virtually all cask ales are fined using isinglass - collagen from the swim bladder of fish - and sometimes other animal derived products, such as dried blood.
This additive prevents around 5 million people in the UK from drinking real cask ale, including vegetarians, vegans, those suffering from fish/sea food allergies or people that are simply disgusted by the thought of fish products in their beer.
There are alternatives to using animal based finings in the brewing process. Indeed the need to "fine" beer is only one of aesthetics. Please sign the petition below if you wish to add your voice to RAFA's call to the brewing industry to cease the use of isinglass and other animal products in the brewing process, thus enabling real ale to be enjoyed by all.
We the undersigned wish to have isinglass removed from the brewing industry to make real ale available to all.
We feel that alternatives to animal products are available and indeed do not feel that fining is always necessary.
The absence of isinglass will benefit the brewing industry by opening up an untapped, growing market currently estimated at around 5 million people, will allow everyone to be able to enjoy real ale without prejudice and will benefit the environment. It will also vindicate real ale as an additive free product.
Thank you for taking the time to read our petition.
