National Party MP Nathan Guy says it is "disappointing" Air NZ is launching a substitute meat burger on flights to the United States, instead of using meat produced in New Zealand.
The meat-free Impossible Burger Photo: Supplied / Impossible Foods
The airline announced yesterday it would serve the plant-based Impossible Burger as part of its Business Premier menu on flights from Los Angeles to Auckland.
Impossible Burgers are produced by a company in the United States and are served in almost 2500 restaurants throughout the US.
The burgers use an iron-containing molecule called heme which comes from the roots of soy plants, creating a plant-based burger patty designed to cook, smell and taste like beef.
But in a tweet, Mr Guy said the national carrier should be pushing this country's premium products and helping sell NZ to the world.
"We produce the most delicious steaks & lamb on the planet - GMO & hormone free."
Air New Zealand will serve the burger on flights NZ1 and NZ5 from Los Angeles to Auckland through until late October.