'Schweddy Balls' ice cream irks group

BURLINGTON, Vt., Sept. 21 (UPI) -- Vermont-based Ben & Jerry's is facing protests from a conservative group over the naming of its "Saturday Night Live"-inspired flavor, Schweddy Balls.

One Million Moms, an offshoot of the conservative American Family Association, said it wants the ice cream maker to do away with the "tasteless" name, which was inspired by an "SNL" sketch featuring Alec Baldwin as bakery owner Pete Schweddy, whose signature creation was Schweddy Balls, Gannett News Service reported Wednesday.

The group said it wants Ben & Jerry's to stop distribution of the flavor and cancel any planned future batches bearing the name. One Million Moms said it will organize a boycott of the company if it does not comply with the group's demands.

"The vulgar new flavor has turned something as innocent as ice cream into something repulsive. Not exactly what you want a child asking for at the supermarket," the group said in a statement posted to its Web site.

Ben & Jerry's spokesman Sean Greenwood said Tuesday there are no plans to discontinue the popular flavor and another production run is scheduled for next week.

"We've been hearing from many fans. It appeals to those who love our irreverent sense of humor. If you watch the skit, it's a lot easier to get the joke," Greenwood said.