Over half of people allergic to animal-based products wrongly assume food labelled as vegan is safe to eat 

New figures released by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) show that a worrying number of people who are allergic to animal-based products, such as egg, milk or fish, are unaware that foods labelled vegan or plant-based can still contain traces of ‘animal’ allergens, putting them at risk of an allergic reaction.

The research from the FSA has found: 

• 54% of those who react to products of animal origin have used vegan labelling to indicate whether a food is safe to eat at least sometimes when buying packaged food.
• 53% of those who buy for someone with a food sensitivity to products of animal origin have used vegan labelling in this way at least sometimes when buying packaged food.
• 25% weren’t aware they should check for a Precautionary Allergen Label (PAL) statement on vegan food/drink to inform a decision on whether it’s safe to eat.

Whilst these findings are worrying, we are delighted to share that the FSA, with support from Anaphylaxis UK, have today launched an awareness campaign to address this very issue.

The purpose of the campaign is to warn people with animal-based allergies that vegan or plant-based products might not always be safe for them to eat and that food labels and ingredient lists should ALWAYS be checked for possible allergens.

The campaign also aims to improve understanding of the differences between vegan or plant-based labels, and free-from labels, to help everyone make safe and informed choices when it comes to these products.

More details about the FSA’s campaign and for materials to support businesses and consumers with a food allergy can be found on //food.gov.uk/vegan-food.

For Anaphylaxis UK, we have welcomed the opportunity to support this important awareness campaign. Simon Williams, Chief Executive of Anaphylaxis UK said “We are delighted to be involved in this campaign and highlight the importance of reading allergen labels on products, in particular food labelled vegan. It is easy to assume that vegan products are free from animal products that someone may be allergic to, but this is not always the case so it is very important to check the pack and the ingredients with allergens highlighted.”

To support the FSA’s campaign further, we have developed new content on our website to give you some tips and advice on how to safely navigate vegan food allergens.

And please do remember, if you have any concerns or questions about anaphylaxis or serious allergies, please remember that our helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.