Vegan certification is a private scheme under which an approved body verifies that a product contains no animal-derived ingredients or processing aids and was produced without cross-contact with animal substances, supporting claims on retail and foodservice packaging.
In trade practice
Although frozen fruit, berries and whole grains are naturally plant-based, vegan certification becomes relevant when processing aids such as gelatine-based carriers, honey-based glazes or animal-derived clarifying agents could be present, or when shared equipment creates cross-contact risk. Certifying bodies such as The Vegan Society conduct site audits and ingredient reviews before issuing a certificate and authorising use of a registered mark. Buyers sourcing processed formats such as fruit powders, purees or dried mixes for vegan retail channels typically require a current certificate as part of the supplier approval process.
In a specification
A product specification for a vegan-labelled line should list all processing aids and specify the accepted certifying body, certificate validity period and the requirement to notify the buyer of any ingredient or process change before the next production run.