Rennet In cheese not vegetarian?

Question

Im aware alot of cheeses contain the enzyme rennet that coagulates the milk, causing it to separate into solids which is from a cows stomach.

But technically it is not a meat product, it is an enzyme (a protein that catalyzes reactions)

Of course vegans wouldn't go near this enzyme because it is mainly found in cheese and many vegetarians would be utterly against the way this enzyme is taken from the body of the cow, but to me it doesn't seem like this enzyme could be considered a "meat product"

technically anyway.

I would like to hear anyones opinion, vegans, vegetarians, omnivores, on the whole Rennet issue.

Just for the record, I eat homemade cheese from my uncle that does not contain rennet, but as a vegetarian I would probably eat cheese containing this enzyme if that was what was available

Answer 1

Calves get sent off the veal farms in milk production anyway, so it really doesn't matter whether the cheese is rennet-free or not.

Answer 2

Rennet is a slaughter byproduct, period.  It may be "just an enzyme," but it's an enzyme taken from the stomach lining of murdered calves.  Vegetarians don't eat foods that animals had to die for and they surely don't support the veal industry by lining their pockets with profits.

Answer 3

It's entirely up to you and your conscience. As you say you know there are non animal alternatives to rennet and you can choose to use them if you wish. Unless certain substances cause genuine health problems (i.e. coeliac disease) it is always a choice even if it is because of ones culture/faith/beliefs.

Answer 4

well this is not an answer! i am a vegetarian and u just made me aware of something i didn't know thanx

Answer 5

Vegetarians would not eat cheese with animal rennet either.  It's a slaughter by product.  We don't eat things that come from dead animals.

Answer 6

I'm a vegetarian.

I eat cheese that has rennet in it, but I still don't like the idea of it.

I see it as similar to eating food with gelatin in it.  

Answer 7

I am a former chef and a lacto-ovo vegetarian for health reasons, and there are plenty of non rennet cheeses like parmesan, ricotta, cottage cheese, cream cheese and I have eaten and made some with a non animal rennet like solution from the Stinging Nettle plant a very popular way in the UK of making cheese.

And as you stated your question was to invoke responce and dialogue, so do not be dismayed with one or 2 diehard vegans and other who will preach the Vegan Gospel to you, it is there intent to convert and conquer.

Answer 8

The cow is killed for meat and the rennet is also taken. A by-product. How can you say it is not meat? If I kill you to get your enzymes it is still killing.

We have so many alternatives actually. Vegetarian rennet is used in many cheeses so if you like cheese just accept the vegetarian ones. No need for so many fancy cheeses. And of course it is easy to make homemade.

Now with such a beautiful name as Tulsi, how could you tolerate the killing of cows? Both the cows and Tulsi are dear to Krishna (God). Did you know that?

Answer 9

If you were willing to eat animal derived rennet, I seriously question your dedication to vegetarianism.  I am wondering where your actual question is.