The North American Meat Institute's DC National Hot Dog Day weinerfest, co-sponsored by Minnesota's Seventh District Congressman Collin Peterson ,was met with a PETA protest, Roll Call's Alex Gangitano reports in Meat vs. Veggie Showdown on National Hot Dog Day:
With only the front security entrance to Rayburn separating them, traditional hot dogs and veggie dogs were handed out for lunch simultaneously. So which do you choose?
Several hot dog companies passed out the classic summer chow in the 97-degree heat. Another perk was that former Major League Baseball players were signing balls and bats for attendees.
On the other side, five of PETA's "Lettuce Ladies" dressed in lettuce bikinis, stood around a table of veggie dogs, which were handed out by PETA employees , not the scantily dressed women. The PETA display outside the Rayburn front entrance encouraged people to “Go Vegan.” . . .
Gangitano notes that the National Hot Dog Day battle between the North American Meat Institute and PETA is an annual event. Peterson chose the meat dogs:
Rep. Collin C. Peterson stuck to the meat version, sampling hot dogs from the Boar’s Head and Smithfield stands. His verdict: “They were both good.”
The Minnesota Democrat is a co-sponsor of the institute’s annual lunch, which also included hot dogs from Tyson Food, Dietz and Watson, Hormel, Hoffmann and Land O’Frost.
“It showcases these companies that do a great job and all of them have great products,” said Peterson, ranking member of the House Agriculture committee. “They are people we work with all the time on the committee, so it’s a way to just showcase what they do for people that aren’t close to agriculture.”
A press release for the event also listed the American Bakers Association, American Beverage Association, Diageo, International Bottled Water Association, and Snack Food Association as sponsors.
Peterson's sprawling district in western Minnesota is largely agricultural. The Open Secrets database reports on Peterson's career totals from ag-related industries. While the veteran congressman didn't join the lettuce ladies, Peterson has parted company with the North American Meat Institute in the past, most notably in the rush to repeal Country of Origin Labeling (COOL).
Photo: Lettuce Ladies offered vegan dogs. via Roll Call.
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If hot dogs were actually made with genuine meat, the PETA ladies might have a point.
Posted by: Jonathan Marchand | Jul 15, 2016 at 08:26 AM