Food News

The responsible expert committee of the German Food Code Commission has published an amended version of the ‘Guidelines for vegan and vegetarian food similar to 'food of animal origin’.

The aim of the revision was to clarify the terminology, in particular the sales descriptions for the numerous substitute products for animal-based food on a plant basis. Although the guidelines are not legally binding, they are an essential basis for the assessment of trade descriptions.
 

In everyday language, terms such as soya schnitzel, tofu sausage and seitan stroganoff have long since become established. But are terms such as soya ham also permissible? No, the ‘ham’ must actually be made of meat, because designations based on ‘specially grown meat cuts’ may not be used for vegan or vegetarian substitute products. What about the tofu burger then? (Answer at the end)

In principle, the Commission's view applies: the more similar the vegan or vegetarian food is in taste and texture to the animal product, the more likely it is that its name may be based on that of the reference food.

The guidelines have been expanded to include a list of currently used ‘replacing ingredients and basic ingredients’. A description of the sensory criteria to be used to assess sensory similarity has also been provided.

Further assistance for the unambiguous labelling of vegan or vegetarian alternative products is provided in Section 2 of the guidelines using examples.

Click here for the publication of 9 October 2020 in the Bundesanzeiger (in German only): 

YOUR PLUS: If you are unsure about what is permissible and which designation no longer complies with the guidelines, our food chemists will be happy to help you. Incidentally, the tofu burger would be allowed as a designation.

Author: Dr Frank Mörsberger,  AGROLAB GROUP