The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently made provisions for the approval of vegan symbols under Food Safety and Standards (Vegan Foods) Regulations, 2022. This new logo contains the capital letter ‘V’ written in a green square and above it placed a small pictogram of a plant and below the ‘vegan’ typescript. Its purpose is rather simple and straightforward: it is intended to let consumers sort vegan and non-vegetarian products without difficulties. For vegan products, the FSSAI Vegan Logo is a globally recognized registered trademark. In this regard, it relieves the pressure of having to decipher foods that are not so obviously free of animal products while shopping. Besides, it helps businesses in fulfilling the vegan market and subculture demands, while also ensuring compliance with FSSAI registration norms.
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What do you mean by Vegan Logo?
A vegan logo is an identification that guarantees that the product, company, or site that is to be labeled complies with absolute vegan standards in terms of production or operation, free of animal-derived materials or components, and does not practice animal testing. These logos are valuable for vegans because these symbols distinctly state that the specific product is suitable for treating ethical and dietary concerns. Many vegan labels like the Vegan Society’s sunflower logo have strict guidelines, and they do not allow animal derived products or animal testing. A vegan logo helps a vegan in their daily shopping, promotes better decisions among people, and increases brands’ credibility.
Benefits of getting Vegan Certification
The benefits of obtaining Vegan Certification include:
- Ease of Identification:
Certification labels help consumers to see that a food product is vegan without necessarily analyzing the list of ingredients and processes used in producing those consumables.
- Competitive Advantage:
An independent certification of products as vegan can provide competitive advantage on the market, putting businesses ahead of the competitors, which do not have such a certificate.
- Increased Sales and Loyalty:
Consumers who are conscious with their diet and beliefs are more likely to buy or get a brand they support, usually vegan ones.
- Global Recognition:
Vegan certification is well-known in the global market, which allows the companies that got the certificate to serve the vegan market across the borders.
- Positive Brand Image:
Certification can improve the icon; give the brand new associations with the values such as sustainable, animal friendly and healthy.
Products Eligible for FSSAI Vegan Logo
Vegan food is food which does not include meat, dairy products, egg, honey, gelatin or other animal products and things made from animals. Here is the list of products that comes under Vegan Category:
Plant-based milk and milk products
- Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, rice milk
- Vegan cheese, yogurt, and butter substitutes
Plant-based meat and meat products
- Tofu, tempeh, seitan
- Vegan sausages, burgers, nuggets
Vegan snacks
- Vegan chips, crackers, cookies
- Vegan energy bars and granola bars
Vegan confectionery and desserts
- Dairy-free chocolates, candies
- Vegan cakes, pastries, ice creams
Vegan sauces and condiments
- Vegan mayonnaise, salad dressings
- Plant-based spreads, dips, and sauces
Vegan ready-to-eat meals
- Prepackaged vegan meals
- Vegan instant noodles, soups, and curries
Fruits and vegetables
- Fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruits and vegetables
Grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds
- Rice, quinoa, barley, oats
- Lentils, chickpeas, beans
- Almonds, cashews, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds
Edible oils and fats derived from plants
- Olive oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil
- Margarine and other plant-based fats
Vegan beverages
- Juices, smoothies, plant-based protein drinks
- Teas and coffees without animal-derived additives
Procedure to get Vegan Certified
According to the guidelines laid down by FSSAI to get the vegan endorsement, a Food Business Operator must:
- The applicants are required to fill an application form with the relevant supporting documents as well as a sample label design for the proposed product which should not be overly elaborate but must meet the FSSAI requirements.
- The details that the applicant would fill in include the name of the product, the category, the manufacturing or import status, results from lab analysis, and a declaration of non-use of animal derivatives.
- If the product that was advertised was certified by any independent agency to be vegan, mention the name of the agency, the certification method followed, and the standards met.
- FSSAI will review the application form and based on the details given in it may request for other documents or clarification if needed.
- The FSSAI will either approve the application for a vegan certificate or decline it. The applicant can appeal the rejection to the CEO and then Food Authority in the case that their application was turned down.
Documents Required for FSSAI Vegan Logo
The following are the documents required from food business operators (FBOs) to access vegan logo endorsement from the FSSAI in India:
- Business name and physical address of the applicant FBO
- Authorized person's details
- License number
- Contact information
- Name of the product (brand name/generic name)
- Nearest food category
- Statement on whether the product is domestically produced or imported
- Copy of the product label with a declaration of compliance with FSSR
- Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from an FSSAI-notified lab
- Declaration on whether the product is certified as vegan by a third-party agency
If third-party certified:
- Company name and address of the certification agency
- Information on the certification process and conditions being met
- A vegan logo and vegan label with the logo.
- Tentative design of the label with the Vegan logo
- Self-declaration that the product is free from animal origin
Conclusion
The FSSAI of India has recently allowed the approval of vegan symbols through the Food Safety and Standards (Vegan Foods) Regulations, 2022. With the new logo where a green square with capital letter ‘V’ and a pictogram of a plant is introduced to the package, the ultimate goal is to ensure the consumers are easily able to distinguish between vegan and non-vegetarian products. The FSSAI Vegan Logo is a protected logo worldwide because it represents vegan certification, free from animal testing. It covers plant based milk, meat and dairy products as and when they meet the set criteria. The registration is mandatory for food business operators, and they get advantages like easy recognition, competitive advantage, the boost in sales and customers’ loyalty, international recognition, and a goodwill effect.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FSSAI Vegan Logo?
The FSSAI Vegan Logo is an official mark provided by the FSSAI to foods and goods that do not in any way, shape or form, contain animal-derived products or have undergone animal testing.
What types of products can apply for the FSSAI Vegan Logo?
FSSAI Vegan Logo can be used on food items, beverages, cosmetics and personal care products that do not contain any ingredients or by-products derived from animals.
What ingredients are considered non-vegan by FSSAI?
Meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, honey, beeswax, gelatin, and anything obtained from animals in their primary production line are non-vegan products as per FSSAI.
What documentation is required to apply for the FSSAI Vegan Logo?
Documents include the list of ingredients used in the manufacturing process, certificate from suppliers, and any certifications from third parties that may confirm the vegan nature of the product.