Food symbols checklist

What do all those logos on our food packaging mean? Susie Chance offers a clear-cut guide to the most common symbols on our shelves

There’s no doubt that food labelling has become a powerful marketing tool. Companies persuade us to buy their products using all sorts of claims and logos. But next time you are swayed by what you read on the packaging, do you really know what it means or who’s behind it? We seek out some of the most common food symbols around, and find out what they stand for.

Vegetarian
Because there is no law outlining exactly what vegetarian means, food manufacturers often use their own vegetarian labelling. The problem is that their criteria for ‘vegetarian’ vary. However, the most widely recognised and trusted logo is that of The Vegetarian Society. To carry its logo, displayed on over 2,000 foods, a product must meet strict criteria, which says that it must not contain meat or other animal-derived ingredients such as animal fats, fish oils or gelatine, and all eggs used must be free-range.

If in doubt about a vegetarian label, check with the retailer or manufacturer. For more details contact The Vegetarian Society, tel: 0161 928 0793 or log on to www.vegsoc.org

Vegan
The most common vegan logo you’ll come across is that of the Vegan Society. Products carrying this trademark must meet the Society’s animal-free criteria; ie: vegan products must, as far as is possible and practical, be entirely free of animal involvement. This means no animal testing, and no animal or animal-derived ingredients, including eggs and dairy products.

As with vegetarian food, other symbols do crop up so, if unsure, check with the manufacturer. For more details call The Vegan Society, 01424 427393 or log on to www.vegansociety.com