Estudio de campo de las certificaciones veganas y vegetarianas en el etiquetado de alimentos procesados

Abstract

Current consumers are looking for healthy, ethical, and environmentally friendly products, which has led to the rise of flexitarian, vegetarian, and vegan diets. Certifications such as the V-Label, The Vegan Society or Vegan Action, globally recognized, ensure that products meet vegan or vegetarian standards, guaranteeing the absence of animal-derived ingredients and animal testing. However, the lack of a specific legislation in the European Union makes possible the presence of “non-official” certifications on food labeling, which can cause confusion among consumers. The objective of this study is to analyze the prevalence and quality of vegan and vegetarian certifications in processed foods. For this purpose, the labels of processed foods that were available in different types of stores in Valladolid have been analyzed. From the 158 products analyzed, 62% showed an official seal, with V-Label being the most common (95%). Although there is a significant number of certified products, 38% lack any certification, highlighting the need for stricter and more uniform regulation to improve consumer protection and make it easier for those seeking vegan or vegetarian products to make informed purchasing decisions.