THE Huon Valley’s popular fishing spot Eggs and Bacon Bay has had its name for 140 years, but an international animal rights group now reckons the moniker is unsavoury.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has called on the Huon Valley Council to change the name of Eggs and Bacon Bay to a vegan alternative.

The group has proposed Apple and Cherry Bay – to promote the region’s local agriculture industry – as a suitable replacement.

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PETA Australia campaign director Ashley Fruno said the group hoped the change would highlight the need to keep animal-derived foods off the plates of Huon Valley residents.

“Considering the high levels of cholesterol and saturated fat in both eggs and bacon, the area may as well be called ‘Heart Attack Bay’,” she said.

“The Huon Valley is famous for its delectable apples and cherries, so we are asking the council ‘WTF?’ – that’s ‘Where’s The Fruit?’ – in the hope that it will apply to change the name.”

Huon Valley residents may even receive vegan apple pies if the name change is adopted.

In a letter to Huon Valley Mayor Peter Coad, Ms Fruno wrote that Tasmania had the highest rate of lap-band surgery in Australia, and 93 per cent of people did not eat enough fruit and vegetables.

“Reminding residents to stay away from cholesterol and fat-laden bacon and eggs and instead to eat the fresh plant produce of the Huon Valley might be just what the doctor ordered,” she wrote.

Cr Coad said the council would need to consider the merits of the proposal and conduct community consultation before moving forward with any name change.

media_camera Huon Valley Mayor Peter Coad with an egg and bacon roll. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

“It’s certainly unique. It is a well-established name – Eggs and Bacon Bay – and any changes need to be considered with community in mind.”

The State Government’s place names database lists the name Eggs and Bacon Bay as originating either from Lady Jane Franklin ordering or being served eggs and bacon near Franklin, or from Sir John Franklin noticing Eggs and Bacon flowers in the area.

A “Save Eggs and Bacon Bay” Facebook page has been set up since news of the proposed change broke.

PETA wrote to the mayor of San Francisco in 2011 to call for the Tenderloin District to be renamed the Tempeh District.

Mayor Ed Lee’s response to that request? A very meaty “no thanks”.