News
19.01.2023 - Foods
Is it considered an unsafe product if animal DNA is detected in a vegan meat alternative?
According to statement number 1.1.3 of the guidelines for vegan and vegetarian foods with similarity to foods of animal origin, unintentional entries of products that do not meet the respective requirements of the definitions in numbers 1.1.1 (vegan foods) and 1.1.2 (vegetarian foods) do not prevent labeling as "vegan" or "vegetarian," provided these are technically unavoidable at all production, processing and distribution stages despite appropriate measures and adherence to good manufacturing practice.
The issue involves animal DNA. Evidence of animal DNA may indicate either unintended contamination or the presence of an added animal-derived ingredient. This cannot be determined by analysis alone. Therefore, no direct conclusion can be drawn about an animal-derived ingredient in a legally relevant amount for labeling purposes. If it is an unintended contamination that is technically unavoidable, it would not lead to an assessment of the food as "unsafe" within the meaning of Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002. Incidentally, the same applies to unintended contaminations with allergens, provided these allergens are only present as traces in the food.
In our Tentamus laboratories, we conduct tests for animal DNA. We provide you with fast and reliable results.
Our customer advisors are happy to assist you with any questions.
Source:
- Fleischwirtschaft - From production to marketing of foods of animal origin, issue 12/2022, p. 51
- LAVES