New research released by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) shows that 62% of people who are allergic to animal-based products, or who buy for someone who is, are confident that products labelled ‘Vegan’ are safe to eat, which may be putting them at risk.
The FSA’s recently launched ‘Vegan Food and Allergens Campaign’ hopes to tackle this misconception. The campaign highlights the difference between vegan and allergen labelling and encourages people with allergens, or who buy for someone who has, to always check for a Precautionary Allergen Label (PAL) on food and drink labelled vegan to decide on whether it’s safe to eat.
Vegan labels, which are used to support a dietary choice, do not intentionally contain products of animal origin; The Vegan Society’s Vegan Trademark, for example, asks that Trademark holders take all reasonable and practical steps to prevent cross contamination. However, it is important to note that trace amounts may still be present in food that has been prepared in facilities that also handle egg, milk, fish, crustaceans or molluscs – making them unsuitable for allergy sufferers. Whereas, to use a free-from label, food businesses must follow strict processes to eliminate risks of cross-contamination so that they do not contain any of the allergen that they claim to be free-from.
The Vegan Society, which is supporting and sharing the FSA’s campaign, believes that clear labelling is very important to people who follow a vegan diet, and accurate labelling is especially vital for people with food allergies.
The FSA recently updated its food labelling technical guidance for food businesses and industry. The update advises businesses to use a Precautionary Allergen Label (PAL) alongside a vegan label, if cross-contamination can’t be ruled out.
More details about the campaign and materials to support businesses and consumers with a food allergy can be found on www.food.gov.uk/vegan-food.
