Clear definition of "vegetarian" and "vegan"

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Aug 1, 2018 - Foods

Clear definition of "vegetarian" and "vegan"

The demand for and thus the supply of vegetarian and vegan foods on the market is continuously growing. In this environment, a broad range of vegan and vegetarian food products is being developed.

For the labeling “vegetarian” and “vegan”, there are already uniform and clear criteria that not only provide legal security for food manufacturers but also offer consumers a good and reliable basis for orientation.

The Conference of Consumer Protection Ministers (CCPM) agreed on definitions for “vegetarian” and “vegan” at their meeting in April 2016.

The resolution states:

Vegan foods are

• foods that are not products of animal origin

and

• to which no ingredients (including additives, carriers, flavorings, and enzymes) or processing aids that are of animal origin may be added or used

In contrast, the following ingredients may be used in vegetarian foods:

1. Milk
2. Colostrum
3. Farm poultry eggs
4. Bee honey
5. Beeswax
6. Propolis
7. Wool grease/lanolin from wool obtained from live sheep

As reported in our article from 07/06/18, there is still no uniform regulation for correct labeling.

The German Food Commission did present a guideline draft for vegan and vegetarian products last year, but it has not yet been unanimously accepted.

However, it is planned that the guidelines for certain vegan and vegetarian foods will be adopted later this year.

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct species determination screenings for vegetarian and vegan foods. We provide you with fast and reliable results.

If you have any questions, our customer service representatives are happy to assist you.

Source: Conference of Consumer Protection Ministers (https://www.verbraucherschutzministerkonferenz.de/VSMK-Dokumente.html)