The US can be considered one of the largest vegan markets in the world. So it’s no surprise that vegan consumers in this country often prioritize services and products with clear vegan certification. And that’s why Vegan Action and its Certified Vegan hold such an important position.
What is Vegan Action?
Vegan Action, also known by its official name Vegan Awareness Foundation, is a non-profit organization in the United States. It was founded in 1995 in Virginia with the goal of promoting a vegan lifestyle to protect animals, the environment, and human health. Additionally, Vegan Action has spearheaded numerous charitable campaigns and vegan awareness initiatives that have brought significant benefits to the community.
Certified Vegan
The US Vegan Certification is a certification logo managed by Vegan Action since 2000. This is an international certification as it is granted to products and services that do not contain animal-derived ingredients or by-products and are not tested on animals throughout the entire research and production process. Currently, the vegan certification is recognized and sought after by consumers not only in the United States but worldwide.
Scope of the Certified Vegan
Product scope
The US vegan logo has a relatively diverse certification scope, not limited to food and beverages. This certification can be granted to products in the cosmetics, clothing, and personal care sectors.
Applicable Countries
Unlike vegan certifications from international non-profit organizations granted to multinational companies such as The Vegan Society, the American Vegan Action certification can only be used on products from companies and manufacturers located in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, products with Certified Vegan are still distributed and recognized globally. On the other hand, these products are highly sought after and welcomed by consumers worldwide due to their high level of credibility and safety.
Certified Vegan standards
No animal ingredients
Certified Vegan has strict regulations that products must not contain any animal ingredients. This restriction extends beyond meat, fish, poultry, and eggs to include animal by-products. Examples of animal by-products include silk or insect-derived dyes, milk or dairy products, honey or bee products. Crucially, products must not be made or finished using any animal-derived materials.
No animal testing
From the research and development process to the completion of the product, the company must not conduct any animal testing, including testing performed by other companies under contract. No animal testing includes the use of live or dead animals for any research purpose, environmental safety, food, or toxicity testing.
No genetically modified animals
In addition to not using animal ingredients, the company must not use any genetically modified organisms (GMOs) derived from animals.
Verification
Naturally, all ingredients as well as the research and production processes must undergo clear verification and validation to ensure that the company does not use any animal ingredients or by-products in the manufacturing process.
Conclusion
Although the Certified Vegan is only granted to certain countries, it is still an international certification because it is recognized worldwide and is of great importance in the United States itself. With the strict regulations and standards set by Vegan Action, consumers can feel completely assured and confident when using products and services bearing the Certified Vegan logo, while also contributing to animal and environmental protection efforts and ensuring their own health.