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 to the Institute. However, the company did tell another Institute supporter: “As an online retailer, we stock products from a variety of brands, and we will continue to sell these products for those who wish to purchase them.”
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, throw-away 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.