Vegan Food Testing

The term vegan refers to a person who follows a lifestyle that avoids the use of animal products in all areas of life, including food, clothing, and personal care products. The term was coined in 1944 by Donald Watson, a British animal rights advocate, who founded the Vegan Society. He created the term vegan to describe a stricter form of vegetarianism that excluded all animal products. Today, the term vegan has expanded to encompass a broader lifestyle and ethical philosophy that seeks to reduce harm to animals, the environment, and human health. Many people adopt a vegan lifestyle for ethical, environmental, and/or health reasons, and strive to promote awareness and compassion towards all living beings.. ^(1,2)

Vegan Food ^(2-4)

• Fruits: Apples, bananas, oranges, berries, melons, and more.
• Vegetables: Leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and more.
• Grains: Rice, quinoa, oats, barley, wheat, and more.
• Legumes: Beans, lentils, chickpeas, peas, and more.
• Nuts and seeds: Almonds, cashews, walnuts, peanuts, sesame seeds, chia seeds, and more.
• Vegan meat substitutes: Tofu, tempeh, seitan, and plant-based burgers, sausages, and nuggets.
• Dairy alternatives: Soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, vegan cheese, and vegan yogurt.
• Egg replacements: Tofu, chickpea flour, and vegan egg substitutes.

Types of vegetarian diet^(5-7)

Nutritional and health importance ^(8-10)

Adulteration in Vegan food products ⁽¹¹⁾

Testing of Vegan food products is essential to ensure their quality and safety for human

Overview of the Market :^{( 12)}

In 2022, the global vegan food market was valued at around USD 24.59 billion, with a significant increase in demand for plant-based products driven by a growing awareness of the health benefits they offer. Consumers are increasingly turning to vegan food to reduce their risk of developing heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses. The forecast for the vegan food market is promising, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.1% between 2023 and 2028. By 2028, the market is projected to reach a value of approximately USD 43.8 billion.

Recall of vegan products ⁽¹³⁾

On Friday, January 20th, there was a recall of several Jay and Joy vegan products due to the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause mild flu-like symptoms, gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. However, in some rare cases, it can lead to severe complications. Individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, babies, and the elderly are more susceptible to Listeria monocytogenes infections

Regulations and standards ⁽¹⁴⁾

First vegan food safety and labelling laws went into effect in India on June 10th, 2022. After finishing its investigation, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) produced guidelines to describe plant-based food products and help consumers in recognising them. The FSSAI initially released a draft of the Food Safety and Regulations (Vegan Food) Regulations on September 8, 2021, which became the nation of India's first plant-based food safety standards. The new rules specify what vegan food is as well as a new vegan food emblem to help consumers identify such products.

Labelling: Vegan foods should be labelled as "suitable for vegetarians" or "suitable for vegans". The label should also indicate if the food contains any allergens.

Ingredients: Vegan foods should not contain any animal products or by-products, including dairy, eggs, honey, and meat.

Nutritional requirements: Vegan foods should meet the nutritional requirements set by FSSAI, including the minimum levels of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals.

Contaminants: Vegan foods should not contain any harmful contaminants, such as heavy metals or pesticides.

Food additives: Vegan foods should only contain approved food additives that are safe for consumption.

Food processing: Vegan foods should be processed in a hygienic and safe manner to prevent contamination and ensure food safety.

Vegan Analysis and testing methods offered by Eurofins

Eurofins offers a wide range of testing methods for vegan foods to ensure that they meet the requirements for a plant-based diet. Some of the common testing methods used by Eurofins for vegan foods include:

These testing methods are designed to ensure the safety and quality of vegan foods, providing consumers with the information they need to make informed choices about the foods they eat. Eurofins' technical expertise and commitment to quality make it a trusted partner for businesses in the vegan food industry.

References

1. (https://www.vegansociety.com/go-vegan/definition-veganism).
2. Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vegan-foods
3. PETA: https://www.peta.org/living/food/vegan-grocery-shopping-guide/
4. Harvard Health Publishing: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-a-plant-based-diet-and-why-should-you-try-it-2018092614760
5. American Dietetic Association. (2009). Position of the American Dietetic Association: vegetarian diets. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 109(7), 1266-1282. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jada.2009.05.027
6. Craig, W. J., & Mangels, A. R. (2009). Position of the American Dietetic Association: vegetarian diets. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 109(7), 1266-1282. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jada.2009.05.027
7. Vegetarian Society. (2022). What is a vegetarian? Retrieved from https://www.vegsoc.org/info-hub/what-is-a-vegetarian/
8. Tuso, P. J., Ismail, M. H., Ha, B. P., & Bartolotto, C. (2013). Nutritional update for physicians: Plant-based diets. The Permanente Journal, 17(2), 61-66. doi: 10.7812/TPP/12-085
9. McMacken, M., & Shah, S. (2017). A plant-based diet for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. Journal of Geriatric Cardiology, 14(5), 342-354. doi: 10.11909/j.issn.1671-5411.2017.05.009
10. Craig, W. J. (2010). Nutrition concerns and health effects of vegetarian diets. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 25(6), 613-620. doi: 10.1177/0884533610385707
11. S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Food Adulteration: What You Should Know. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma/food-adulteration-what-you-should-know
12. https://www.expertmarketresearch.com/reports/vegan-food-market
13. https://iwaspoisoned.com/food-recall/jay-joy-vegan-products-recalled-due-to-listeria
14. https://fssai.gov.in/upload/notifications/2022/06/62ac3f9dba33cGazette_Notification_Vegan_Food_17_06_2022.pdf

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