Saturday, April 08, 2006

Vegetarian & Vegan labelling guidance from FSA

Vegetarian and Vegan labelling guidance from The Food Standards Agency

New UK guidance on food labelling for vegans and vegetarians builds on growing consumer demand for non-meat ingredients.

The guidance, drawn up by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) after consultation with stakeholders including The Vegetarian Society and The Vegan Society, will provide criteria for the use of the terms 'vegetarian' and 'vegan' on food labels for the first time.
The FSA estimates that there are 3.5 million vegetarians and 0.25 million vegans in the UK. The guidance is designed to make it easier for these consumers to identify the products that are suitable for them.

It also aims to prevent some common mistakes by companies such as labelling drink or food that has been derived from animal products or fish as suitable for 'vegans' and 'vegetarians'.

"There has been a lot of confusion over the use of the terms 'vegetarian' and 'vegan' on food labels both in the retail and catering sectors," said Dr Richard Harding, head of the FSA's consumer choice, food standards and special projects division.

For more information and help on Vegetarian and Vegan Labelling see PEA PR

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