A Thomas Cook customer was left disappointed and frustrated after receiving a 'somewhat bizarre' vegan breakfast consisting of orange juice, raisins, apple sauce - and milk.
Ed Sisto, 34, of Necton near Swaffham, pre-ordered a vegan-friendly continental breakfast ahead of an 11-hour flight from Los Angeles to Manchester and was surprised to be served the concoction towards the end of the 5,200-mile journey.
He had already been told there were no milk alternatives on board but was shocked to receive the food items along with a serving of Alta Dena Half & Half, containing milk.
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"I was a little surprised at the somewhat bizarre selection of items being called a 'continental breakfast'," he said.
"It was disappointing and frustrating that I did not have an adequate meal, that I had pre-booked. It almost felt like somebody had quickly placed random items in a bag."
Two years ago, Mr Sisto made the move to veganism after suffering from the effects of Crohn's disease for more than a decade.
As well as having concerns about the treatment of animals and the planet, a plant-based diet has allowed him to become symptom-free and no longer reliant on medication.
Speaking about the breakfast, he said it was a stark contrast to the "very nice" meal he had been served on the Thomas Cook flight going to Los Angeles.
"I found it very surprising that in 2019, when a vegan meal has been ordered, somebody would deem the food I was given as acceptable.
"The biggest concern was that a carton of milk was included.
"It seemed there was absolutely no regard given for a vegan meal or somebody with dietary requirements or allergies."
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Although Mr Sisto did not alert the cabin crew, he reported the problem to Thomas Cook after landing back in the UK.
"It is already a great step that vegan meals are an option on flights now.
"My main concern is if the first meal I received was, in fact, vegan - if I could be given a carton of milk, I could easily have been given a meal containing dairy or eggs."
A Thomas Cook spokesperson said: "We are very sorry to Mr Sisto. We have worked with our catering partners to understand what happened on this occasion, and to ensure it does not happen again."
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