Important Information for Consumers with Food Allergies: Vegan Labels Don't Guarantee Safety
Your Health
In this article, we aim to shed light on the misconceptions surrounding vegan-labeled foods and their safety for individuals with specific food allergies. While the term "vegan" denotes the absence of all animal products and by-products, it does not automatically guarantee the absence of cross-contamination with allergens such as milk, eggs, fish, crustaceans, or mollusks.
We will explore the nuances of food labeling, the regulatory standards governing these labels, and the precautions that individuals with allergies should take when considering vegan products. Additionally, we will discuss strategies for consumers to minimize their risk of exposure to allergens and advocate for more stringent labeling practices to better serve individuals with food allergies. Through this exploration, our goal is to empower consumers with the knowledge they need to make informed dietary choices and to highlight the importance of comprehensive labeling for food safety.
A recent study by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) found that:
62% of people with allergies to animal products believe "vegan" labels guarantee safety.
Over half of people with allergies, or those who buy for someone with allergies, have relied on vegan labels to determine food safety.
Nearly 30% of people with allergies were unaware they need to check allergen labels on vegan products.
The FSA launched a campaign to raise awareness of this important issue. They advise people with allergies to always check for precautionary allergen statements like "may contain" on all food labels, including vegan products.
Here's a key difference to remember:
Vegan labels indicate a dietary choice and do not guarantee the absence of animal products due to potential cross-contamination.
Free-from labels are food safety labels that ensure a product is strictly produced to eliminate specific allergens, like milk or eggs.
For safe food choices:
Always check allergen labels on all food products, regardless of the "vegan" label.
Discuss your allergies with food servers and businesses.
This campaign is supported by major allergy charities and the Vegan Society, who all emphasize the importance of accurate labeling and consumer awareness to ensure food safety for everyone.
Sources:
Food Standards Agency: https://www.fdf.org.uk/globalassets/resources/publications/fdf-guidance-allergen-free-and-vegan-claims.pdf
The Vegan Society: https://www.vegansociety.com/about-us/further-information/key-facts
Allergy UK: https://www.allergyuk.org/
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General Resources
Books:
Dominion: The Power of Animals in Nature and in Our Imagination by Matthew Scully
Animal Liberation by Peter Singer
Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
A Billion Hungry Mouths: Feeding the World Without Consuming the Planet by Colin Tudge
Websites and organizations:
Documentaries:
Articles:
"The Case for Animal Rights" by Tom Regan
‘‘Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows: An Introduction to Carnism’’ by Melanie Joy
‘‘Animal Rights: The Abolitionist Approach’’ by Gary L. Francione
‘‘Fellow Creatures: Our Obligations to the Other Animals’’ by Christine Korsgaard
Seeds of Compassion: Finding Jesus Christ in a Vegan World by Michael Corthell
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The information on this vegan/plant-based blog is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, medical, or professional advice. Readers should consult with appropriate professionals for specific advice tailored to their situation. The blog owner is not responsible for any reliance on the information herein.