Why restaurant owners should laden tablecloths with ethical food

Creating an ethical menu may be a key way of boosting customer numbers at restaurants and other eateries.

While the owners of such establishments could place an emphasis on choosing the correct restaurant supplies or creating a welcoming atmosphere with bright tablecloths and subdued lighting to attract diners, the products used in their dishes have an equally important role to play.

Indeed, Suzi Morris, UK director of the World Society for the Protection of Animals, explained that consumers are taking an increasing interest in whether the goods they consume are ethically sourced.

"The general public is much closer now to where its food comes from and really has a more sophisticated understanding of the origins of its food - and doesn't want to buy food that has come from animals that are suffering poor welfare," she explained.

Ms Morris added that the country has come a long way in terms of animal welfare, with battery cages for hens being banned, along with farrowing crates for sows.

The restaurant industry may also be interested to know that World Society for the Protection of Animals is launching a new campaign - Not In My Cuppa - which has been designed to increase awareness of battery farmed cattle.