Peters Ice Cream has changed the name of one of its products because it’s been deemed “racially offensive”.
It comes after Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, the company that makes the product in the US, also announced it would also be changing the name of Eskimo Pie, reports 7 News.
The name “Eskimo”, often used by non-native groups to refer collectively to Inuit and Yupik people, is considered offensive to native Arctic communities.
“This name is considered derogatory in many other places because it was given by non-Inuit people and was said to mean ‘eater of raw meat’,” the University of Alaska said.
In Australia, Eskimo Pie will be rebranded as Polar Pie.
“Peters Ice Cream is committed to being a part of the solution on racial equality and we acknowledge that now is the time for a change,” Peters said in a statement to 7NEWS.com.au.
“Eskimo Pie is a brand which has been within our portfolio for many decades and has a loyal consumer base who adore the product.
“We have chosen to rename the product ‘Polar Pie’ as this retains a strong association back to the original brand and product idea – a frozen treat you eat much like a pie – with your hands and hence the name Polar Pie.”
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