Online supermarket Ocado is stocking a product which uses gratuitously offensive language about Jesus Christ. The Christian Institute raised concerns after a supporter complained about “Christ on a Bike” beef jerky.
But Ocado, the world’s largest dedicated online grocery retailer, has failed to respond.
Only Supermarket
The spicy beef jerky—dried strips of meat—is one of three items Ocado sells from the Billy Franks company.
The suppliers’ own website features other offensively-titled products—using both sexual and religiously abusive language. No other major supermarket stocks the product.
Disappointing
The Christian Institute contacted Ocado’s press office for a comment, but it has so far not responded.
Ciarán Kelly, Deputy Director at the Institute, said it was disappointing that Ocado was giving the product such a platform. “Ocado says it has over half a million active customers, and I’m sure many of them would see this product as pretty despicable.
Hurtful
“Jesus Christ is the very heart of the Christian faith—He is the Son of God and the only perfect human being to have ever lived. “Using his name in such a blasphemous, throwaway fashion is hurtful and saddening.
“We invite Ocado to think again about lending their brand to something so gratuitously offensive.”
Listened to feedback
Last year, a card which made light of adultery was pulled from Tesco’s shelves after complaints from shoppers. The birthday card had the words: “Time for a sports car and an affair” on its front cover.
The card drew criticism from Twitter users including Lesley Smith, who said: “Disappointed to see messages like this on cards @Tesco. Words are powerful”.
But Tesco told The Christian Institute it had listened to feedback and would remove the card from its range. {eoa}
This article originally appeared on The Christian Institute.
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