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Understanding vegan food regulations worldwide & India
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Friday, 09 February, 2024, 12 : 00 PM [IST]
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Arthur Maurer
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The rise of veganism as a lifestyle choice has led to a surge in demand for vegan food products globally. However, the journey towards establishing robust regulations for vegan foods has been met with several challenges. The Vegan Food market size was valued at $19.7 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $36.3 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 6.4 % from 2020 to 2030. Diving into the landscape of vegan food regulations worldwide and exploring the unique challenges faced in India. Before delving into the challenges, it's crucial to understand what constitutes "vegan food." The definition encompasses food or food ingredients, additives, flavourings, enzymes, and carriers that are entirely devoid of animal origin at every stage of production and processing.
Global Regulatory Landscape
The Global Regulatory Landscape for Vegan Food Production and Distribution includes a diverse set of legislation and standards that differ greatly among countries and regions. While some countries have thorough regulations outlining what constitutes vegan food and requiring special labelling, others rely on industry guidelines or voluntary certification programmes. In Europe, for example, the European Union's Food Information to Consumers Regulation (EU FIC), establishes explicit labelling guidelines for vegan products, including allergen declaration and the use of standardised terminology. Similarly, in United States, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), oversees labelling standards to ensure that vegan food products appropriately depict their ingredients and nutritional content.
The vegan food industry relies heavily on key ingredients and labelling standards to ensure transparency and consumer trust. Vegan food products often contain a variety of plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, while excluding animal-derived goods such as meat, dairy, eggs, and honey. Labelling requirements are intended to provide consumers with accurate and thorough information about the contents of vegan products, such as allergen warnings and nutritional values. Common labelling strategies include using clear and succinct terms like vegan, plant-based, or free from animal products to indicate adherence to vegan principles. Furthermore, labels may include necessary certifications or emblems from reputable vegan organisations, increasing transparency and supporting informed consumer decisions.
FSSAI - Regulations in India
Back in 2022, The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), had implemented standards, particularly for vegan goods, marking a significant milestone in India's food regulatory landscape. These restrictions were intended to safeguard the safety, quality, and integrity of vegan products available on the market. The FSSAI standards specified severe regulations for vegan food manufacturing, labelling, and distribution, with an emphasis on transparency and consumer knowledge. By requiring clear labelling and accurate portrayal of components, the legislation enabled customers to make educated decisions based on their dietary preferences and ethical considerations. FSSAI's proactive approach reflected India's growing demand for vegan alternatives and highlighted the need for regulatory frameworks that addressed the food industry's changing requirements while prioritising consumer health and safety.
Challenges in Manufacturing Facilities
Manufacturing vegan products poses challenges similar to those encountered in the production of Halal products. Separate machines and processes are necessary, or a validated cleaning method is required if production occurs in the same facility as non-vegan products. This meticulous separation poses a challenge, as not all manufacturing facilities are equipped to handle the distinctive requirements of vegan production. This has led to a lack of interest among manufacturers, slowing the expansion of the vegan food market.
Challenges in sourcing
The absence of any animal-origin ingredients in vegan food necessitates a higher degree of standardisation in raw materials. This heightened standardization, while maintaining the purity of vegan products, adds to the cost of raw materials. This challenge in sourcing can impede the growth of the vegan food sector, making it imperative to find cost-effective solutions to encourage widespread adoption.
In the realm of food, customer satisfaction reigns supreme. Over time, vegan foods have struggled to meet the expectations of consumer taste buds when compared to their non-vegan counterparts. This taste challenge has hindered the mainstream acceptance of vegan products and remains a significant obstacle in the path of the vegan food industry's success.
Challenges in taste
The food industry prioritises customer pleasure, but vegan goods may struggle to match taste and texture requirements. Despite developments in vegan food technology, some customers believe vegan alternatives lack flavour or texture when compared to regular food products. To address these flavour problems, vegan food compositions must be continuously innovated and refined to meet customer preferences and expectations.
Regulatory Framework: A new frontier
As a relatively new and small category, establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for vegan products presents a formidable challenge. This includes defining standards for ingredients, labelling, and certification on a global scale. Different countries possess their own unique sets of standards, further complicating the development of a unified international regulatory framework for vegan foods.
Vegan Regulations in India
In India, the challenges faced by the vegan food industry mirror those on the global stage. The regulatory framework for vegan products is in its infancy, and establishing standards remains a pressing concern. The need for clear guidelines in labelling and certification is paramount to ensure transparency for consumers.
Moreover, the challenges in manufacturing facilities and sourcing are amplified in India due to the diverse nature of the country's food industry. Overcoming these challenges is crucial for the growth of the vegan food market in India, where dietary preferences and cultural diversity play a significant role in shaping the food landscape.
Navigating the complex landscape of vegan food regulations worldwide, particularly in India, requires concerted efforts from industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and manufacturers. Overcoming challenges in manufacturing facilities, sourcing, taste, and regulatory frameworks is essential to pave the way for a thriving vegan food industry. As the demand for vegan products continues to rise, addressing these challenges will not only foster innovation and growth but also contribute to the broader goal of sustainable and ethical food consumption on a global scale.
(The author is founder at Veganya Food Private Limited)
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