LONDON -- The Bank of England confirmed in a tweet on Monday that the new 5 pound note contains trace amounts of animal fat.

A substance called tallow (often used in soaps and candles) is rendered from animal fat and can be found in the polymer composition of the banknotes.

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On social media, the revelation has been met with mixed responses.

Vegans and vegetarians have largely expressed horror and outrage:

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While other people have been less sympathetic:

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A petition demanding that the Bank remove the presence of animals products in the production of currency has garnered nearly 19,000 signatures and counting.

The petition reads, "This is unacceptable to millions of vegans, vegetarians, Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and others in the U.K."

While animal products can be found in several commonplace items, dissenting voices argue that the banknotes flagrantly disregard those who consciously seek to avoid such items for various ethical considerations and religious purposes.

Despite the backlash, the Bank of England has made no indication that it intends to change its currency production process.