Ask your MEP to vote for a EU wide legal definition of the word vegan

[Mr Flibble]

From http://www.vegsoc.org/political/label2010.html

The European Parliament Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety is considering a proposal for a regulation on ‘Food Information to Consumers’. Carl Schlyter, a Vice-Chairman of the Committee, has put forward an amendment proposing that the following text should be included in the regulation:

The term ‘vegetarian’ should not be applied to foods that are, or are made from or with the aid of products derived from animals that have died, have been slaughtered, or animals that die as a result of being eaten. The term ‘vegan’ should not be applied to foods that are, or are made from or with the aid of animals or animal products (including products from living animals).

This text has been taken directly from the Food Standards Agency “Guidance on the use of the terms ‘vegetarian’ and ‘vegan’ in food labeling” which was introduced in the UK in 2006. Before the guidance was introduced there was little to discourage producers from marking a product as ‘vegetarian’ even if it wasn’t. However, the terms ‘vegetarian’ and ‘vegan’ are not currently protected in Europe.

This guidance has worked well in the UK and its extension to the rest of Europe is an easy and effective way to raise and protect the standard of vegetarian and vegan products for those who make this dietary choice.

Please write to the MEPs from your electoral region who sit on the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety and ask them to support this amendment. As far we know the Committee will vote on the amendment on 16th March.

[Risker]

Done, thanks for posting.

[harpy]

Yes, I have too, thanks Mr F.

I think it's quite a good idea, although it would also be good if they could force restaurants etc to HAVE some vegan food in the first place - not naming any particular countries of course.