Vegan or ‘vague’n: How to correctly label vegetarian and vegan products
This piece is an independent opinion piece produced by the New Zealand Vegetarian Society (NZVS), a proud affiliate partner of the New Zealand Food Awards. Their sponsorship stems from their commitment to promote sustainability and celebrate vegetarian and vegan options within the wider food industry.
Clear labelling on vegetarian and vegan products has become crucial in a world increasingly conscious of ethical and sustainable food choices.
The New Zealand Vegetarian Society (NZVS), is raising awareness about their Vegetarian Approved and NZ Vegan Certified product certifications and supporting standardised labelling practices that emphasises transparency for consumers.
Why labelling matters
Consumers are increasingly choosing vegetarian or vegan diets for health, ethical and environmental reasons. To help guide consumers to make informed choices, it is crucial that food labels are clear and accurate. Using terminology that isn't accurate, such as ‘less dairy’ or ‘plant based’ adds to the confusion, compromises consumer trust and makes it harder for individuals to adhere to their dietary preferences.
The two main points to consider when labelling a vegetarian or vegan product:
1. Understand the correct definitions of a term
Standardise ‘Plant-based’ labelling: This term should be reserved exclusively for products that are 100% derived from plants. This clarity ensures that consumers are not misled by products containing animal-derived ingredients.
Understand ‘vegan’ labelling: For a product to be labelled vegan, it should mean that no animal products or by-products were used at any stage of the manufacturing process. To ensure this, the following criteria must be met:
Free from animal-derived ingredients.
GMO-free.
No animal testing at any stage of production.
Measures in place to prevent cross-contamination with animal products during production.
Understand ‘vegetarian’ labelling: The term ‘vegetarian’ should be reserved for products that contain no meat, poultry, fish or seafood. Additionally, any use of animal by-products (such as gelatine, rennet or certain colourants) should be clearly indicated. To ensure this, the following criteria must be met:
o Products must be free from ingredients resulting from animal slaughter.
o Only free-range eggs can be used.
Be GMO-free.
Ensure no animal testing is carried out.
Prevent cross-contamination with animal products during production.
2. Be clear and honest about your product, including allergens
Avoid using vague terms such as ‘less dairy’ which lack clear definitions. These can be deceptive to consumers and do not provide clarity or information about health implications of the products. This is particularly important for those with allergies.
The role of certification
The NZVS Vegetarian Approved and NZ Vegan Certified trademarks play a vital role in providing assurance to consumers. These certifications are trusted indicators that products meet rigorous standards. Consumers are encouraged to look for these trademark logos as a reliable guide to make informed and ethical purchasing decisions.
President of the NZ Vegetarian Society, Julia Clements says, "In the absence of clear regulations, it's crucial for consumers to look for trusted NZVS Vegetarian Approved and NZ Vegan Certified trademarks on product packaging.
"These marks serve as a reliable indicator that products have met strict criteria and adhere to established standards for vegetarian and vegan diets."
Advocacy for better labelling standards
The NZ Vegetarian Society and the Vegan Society of Aotearoa advocates for clearer and more standardised labelling on vegetarian and vegan products, protecting consumer rights and promoting transparency in the food industry.
By ensuring food labelling is done correctly, food producers can ensure transparency, build consumer trust and contribute to a more ethical and sustainable food industry. The efforts by the NZ Vegetarian Society and the Vegan Society of Aotearoa in advocating for better labelling practices are steps towards achieving this goal. It provides assurance for consumers navigating their dietary choices with confidence and clarity.
To find out more about how the NZ Vegetarian Society and the Vegan Society of Aotearoa are advocating for changes to labelling standards visit: www.vegetarian.org.nz/about/news/article/take-a-stand-for-transparent-food-labelling-petition-launched-to-standardise-vegetarian-and-vegan-product-labelling-in-new-zealand
