The Leaping Bunny standard is practiced throughout North America and the European Union. In fact, there is only one step between a company claiming to be cruelty-free and getting PETA certified: a promise. As previously stated, the Vegetarian Society has two categories of certification. This corrected value utilizes the PDCAAS. Have your manufacturer (s) or supplier (s) complete a statement of assurance. The only restrictions we are willing to put on our certification is: vegan or not vegan. If we included how the environment and habitats were impacted, then almost nothing would qualify as ethically vegan. If youre affiliated with a company that sells vegan goods, youve come to the right place! There are many companies that are not cruelty-free. Products that are Wudu Certified fall somewhat adjacent to Halal products in Islamic culture, however, they apply specifically to the Wudu religious ceremony. We charge an annual licensing fee (for an unlimited number of products/skus) based on the company's annual revenue from the previous fiscal year. Companies do this for multiple reasons. We consider figs just as "vegan" as any other fruit. The Certified Vegan Logo is to help you buy items that are cruelty free. PDCAAS, or Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score, evaluates a food's protein quality. Unfortunately, they're not edible yet. Any companies that use cane sugar, beet sugar, corn syrup, coconut sugar, date sugar, molasses, agave, maple syrup, or brown rice syrup in their products must send a statement from the sugar supplier that guarantees that they do not use animal products in the production of that sweetener. Meaning, there are many certification bodies that vary from country to country, set by various Muslim organizations and Islamic Development Corporations. For that reason, for example, some pet foods have not qualified for Vegan Certification.*. The Vegan Society is perhaps the most well established vegan certification on the market. This is verified by vegan.org. While the Impossible Burger is completely free of animal products in ingredients, there is one ingredient that was recently tested on animals and therefore it would not qualify for Vegan Certification. Case in point: Dove became PETA certified in 2018. What are some Common Ingredients that may be animal-based and found in products? Choose Cruelty Free is for Australian companies, but many of these companies sell their products internationally. None of these certifications are part of the COSMOS-standard. WE CERTIFY Our logo is a registered trademark for products that do not contain animal products or by-products and that have not been tested on animals.           Richmond, VA 23221 Manufacturing processes have … First, these companies unfortunately do not have an alternative; every major manufacturer of plant-proteins has now conducted these animal feed trials so that their ingredients are FDA compliant. The PDCAAS has been adopted by FAO/WHO as the preferred method for the measurement of the protein value in human nutrition. The Vegan.org certification logo denotes that the product contains no animal ingredients and is not tested on animals.Over 1,000 companies and products carry the logo … *. Learn which companies still test on animals in 2020 so you can avoid them at all costs! Consumers are embracing vegan for multiple reasons: Compassion for the animals, environmental sustainability, and/or for the scientifically proven health benefits. This would be no different than insects and earthworms decomposing in soil. covers in detail all aspects of the sourcing, manufacturing, marketing, and control of cosmetic products. To start, ingredients must not be a result of slaughter. Registration with the trademark gives brands the confidence to shout about their vegan … We do not request or require documentation on fertilizers that are used on food products that are Vegan Certified. “Vegan” means the product doesn’t contain ingredients of animal origin, including milk, eggs, honey, and gelatin. The COSMOS-standard certifications apply specifically to cosmetic products. Please note that these companies may also produce non-vegan products. First, these companies unfortunately do not have an alternative; every major manufacturer of plant-proteins has now conducted these animal feed trials so that their ingredients are FDA compliant. Furthermore, their suppliers must commit to the same pledge that the ingredients are also cruelty-free as well. The term “Halal” translates as “permitted” or “lawful” and refers to all things and actions that are permitted under Islamic law. This will maintain unethically high levels of animal suffering within the food industry and harm the movement towards a better world where less animals are eaten. This certification remains valid as long as the composition of the cosmetic product does not change. This organization certifies companies that are 100% cruelty-free. This organization takes extensive steps to ensure that a company’s products are 100% vegan. The PDCAAS has been adopted by FAO/WHO as the preferred method for the measurement of the protein value in human nutrition. PETA is perhaps the most widely used of all cruelty-free certification logos worldwide. Thus, it’s not unlikely to come across products with CCF cruelty-free certification logos. You can be sure that if a product or business bears the logo, it follows the animal free standards of the Vegan Society. There are unintentional insects in much of the food we eat and are often unavoidable in commercial products. However, use excessive caution and research companies prior to purchasing their products if their only cruelty-free certification is from PETA. The Vegan Trademark has been helping users identify that a product is free from animal ingredients since 1990. However, the %DV must be based on the “corrected protein value” not the amount that is simply declared on the Nutrition Facts Panel. The application and process are extremely meticulous and intended for companies who are serious about selling organic products. Today on Mind Over Mango, we will be dissecting some of the most popular logos. Technically, there is no such thing as eating without harming anything but we all do the best we can. In many cases, companies are. We do not offer Vegan Certification for a product who's sole purpose is to kill, even if it is what we would consider harmful parasites such as fleas or ticks to protect our companion animals. Unfortunately, Halal Certifications are not yet standardized. Products must contain no known animal-derived GMOs or genes used to manufacture ingredients or finished products, Products must provide supplier verification that animal products were not used in the manufacturing of ingredients. In order for companies in the U.S. to make a protein claim on their packaging, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has required that they include percent Daily Value for protein in the nutrition panel on the package for all proteins, and more recently, all plant-based proteins, such as pea protein. Similar to The Vegan Society, Vegan.org certifies individual products from various companies. Companies who claim to be vegan can freely choose to use the “PETA Certified Vegan” logo, whether or not they really are vegan. Thank you for visiting and supporting a happier, healthier planet! These certifications can be applied to cosmetic, personal care products, and of course, food items. SEARCH OUR CERTIFIED VEGAN PRODUCT DATABASE HERE. – Our inspectors will review your application. As more people become vegan, more companies will make more vegan products and will drive the market in a positive direction. It goes without saying, but the PETA Cruelty-Free and Vegan logo is not in itself a reputable claim to 100% truly vegan status. Basically, the Vegan certificate is a trademark for products that are void of animal products, byproducts & haven't been tested on animals. The logo use guidelines dictate if you get to use “certified” or “verified” with the logo on packaging. Application Fee — NONE. 24 Hour Health www.24hourhealth.com. This would be no different than insects and earthworms decomposing in soil. The Certified Vegan Logo is a registered trademark, similar in nature to the kosher mark, for products that do not contain animal products or byproducts and that have not been tested on animals. The Vegan Australia Certified logo is a simple and reliable symbol for vegan products and services. The fact is, veganism is spreading worldwide, and consumers are searching for plant-based vegan products with a vegan certification logo to legitimize vegan claims. Finally, once manufacturers have completed the PDCAAS evaluations, the FDA does not require repeated animal feed trials to maintain product compliance. The licensing fee helps support the Vegan Certification program and promotes vegan products worldwide! Our primary reason for promoting a vegan lifestyle is to protect animals from suffering. However, the %DV must be based on the “corrected protein value” not the amount that is simply declared on the Nutrition Facts Panel. We will be happy to assist your company in promoting your certified products. This certification is one of two that they offer. They are looking to trick their consumers into believing that their products have not been tested on animals. We do not allow sugar (or other sweeteners) that are refined through bone char to carry The Certified Vegan Logo. Rather, they certify individual products. It is different for every application dependent on the number of products being submitted and the number of ingredients per product. Beginning in 2014, the FDA mandated the use of animals in feed trials to determine the PDCAAS. Share or email to a friend and help inform others about the types of products they are purchasing! Products must not have involved animal testing of ingredients or finished products by the supplier, producer, manufacturer, or independent party for any type of research whatsoever to include environmental safety, feed or nutrition trials, toxicity testing, or animal tests or trials "as required by law" to include third-party testing and may not be tested in the future. Vegan72 – 72 hours of vegan food in Richmond Virginia. That is the motivation behind our work so that you can vote with your dollar against animal agriculture. Check out our articles about sustainability and sustainable goods and reshape your lifestyle today! Products must involve no animal testing of ingredients or finished product by the supplier, producer, manufacturer or independent party with the use of any animal in the animal kingdom (live or deceased) for any type of research purposes whatsoever to include environmental safety, feed or nutrition trials, toxicity testing, or animal tests or trials "as required by law" including third-party testing or being tested by another company or independent contractor. Looking for cruelty-free companies that offer vegan options? All of these logos are recognized as reputable industry-standard certifications. In order to be PETA certified, a company must simply fill out a questionnaire and pledge that they cruelty-free. Moreover, all of their approved trademarks involve independent ingredient and production method audits. Because animal cells and/or proteins are required for growing the product, it would not meet our Certified Vegan requirements of "not being sourced from animal products or animal by-products." Vegan Action is very concerned with the health of humans and of our environment, but we realize that in order to accomplish our goal of protecting animals, there needs to be a large variety of animal-free alternatives. Second, we know how access to a multitude of vegan options, especially products that carry the Certified Vegan logo, makes it easier for people to opt for plant-based foods. The above Certification Bodies (organizations) all fall within the COSMOS-standard association. It’s my fave.”, “I don’t have to read through all the ingredients!”, “[The Certified Vegan logo] is the first thing I look for.”. Like the Choose Cruelty Free certification, this certification is based in Australia and New Zealand. Liquids such as beer, wine, maple syrup, and fruit juices may not be filtered, defoamed, or clarified with animal products. Vegan Certification Process Overview. Some logos simply will only have a bunny icon with no other information. Therefore, Halal accredited products refer to products that are manufactured, produced, and composed of ingredients that are permissible under Islamic law. The Vegetarian Society (as seen in the next category), also has a Vegan Approved Certification. 4Legz www.4legz.com. Look no further than our extensive cruelty-free & vegan company database on Mind Over Mango! Biogro is yet another legally recognized organic certification but on a much smaller scale. While we greatly support the cultured meat movement and will encourage folks to choose it over factory farmed animals, we will not Vegan Certify cultured meat due to our guidelines. Their Vegetarian Certified category is its primary certification. It’s easier to spot whether or not a fashion or home goods brand uses vegan substitutes such a vegan leather. +1 866 529 1114 +1 866 529 1114. Finally, all Leaping Bunny companies agree to independent audits, and their commitments must be renewed on an annual basis. Consumers are demanding … Halal Certification is a growing niche. Vegan.org is another well known vegan certification organization. If you wish to learn more about a specific category or organization, please reference our Table of Contents below. The application and process are extremely meticulous and intended for companies who are serious about selling organic products. Submitting an application does not give the authorization to use The Certified Vegan Logo until the application is approved and permission is granted by The Vegan Awareness Foundation. B Corp Pending certifications indicated companies that have applied to be B Corp certified, but have not yet been given the approval. This doesn’t go to say that companies with a fake logo are not actually 100% cruelty-free. Choose Cruelty Free (CCF) is an Australian-based non-profit organization. Always looks for [the Certified Vegan logo] and when it’s not there I know to do some investigating.”, “[The Certified Vegan Logo is] so helpful! Despite the animal feed trial requirement, we made the decision to accept these ingredients for several reasons. 123. | True Botanicals Newest Product Launch, Peptides Totally Transformed My Skin – These Are The Best Cruelty-Free Peptide Products I Swear By, BREAKING NEWS: China Set to End Pre-Market Cosmetic Animal Testing by 2021, Are Skincare Fridges Necessary? The Certified Vegan Logo is to help you buy items that are cruelty free. Steps to Certification – Apply online by clicking here. VeGuide - Go Vegan the Easy Way Try our new VeGuide app, it's everything you need to start your vegan … The PETA-Approved Vegan certification applies to both companies that are 100% vegan and companies that sell some vegan products. The certified logo is easily visible to consumers interested in vegan products and helps vegans to shop without constantly consulting ingredient lists. We want to support companies making a genuine effort in making vegan products and we don't want it to be an impossible venture as that would not serve anyone. Lanoilin, shellac, glycerine, caseinate, squalene, guanine, vitamin D, stearic acid, carmine, collagen, elastin, keratin, isinglass, castoreum, whey, gelatine, Hyaluronic acid, Chondroitin, enzymes, probiotics, omega-3s, etc. Even though the machines are guaranteed to be cleaned thoroughly between non-vegan and vegan batches, shared machinery may contain trace amounts of eggs or dairy for example. #itspieday I, This vintage blouse is still one of my favorite pi, Back at it again. In fact, there are 10 Certification Bodies that directly partner with COSMOS-standard. That is the motivation behind our work so that you can vote with your dollar against animal agriculture. However, we would offer Vegan Certification for a product where the purpose is to deter insects, for example. We appreciate a company’s commitment to producing vegan products. Cruelty Free International is stationed in the UK but has direct ties with Leaping Bunny and works on an international scale to end animal cruelty. USDA Certified is most often recognized by consumers in food products sold in the US, but some cosmetics or personal care products can also be USDA certified. With that being said, they are the lesser-known of the three cruelty-free certifications because they are regionally based. Companies who claim to be vegan can freely choose to use the “PETA Certified Vegan” logo, whether or not they really are vegan. *Plant-based proteins are currently one of the most popular ingredient trends within the food and nutrition industry and have been ground-breaking in making the transition away from animal-based foods easy, healthy, accessible, and affordable. The VegeCert certification process begins by submitting a detailed list of the products and component ingredients for which you are seeking certification, as well as a description of the manufacturing facility, production process, cleanup protocols, and whether you share any equipment or production lines with non-vegan products. This results in a complicated and non-transparent international distribution. Then check out our extensive cruelty-free & vegan database here on Mind Over Mango! However, in the case of food items, certain meats and animal products are allowed. Even though it does not meet criteria for being Vegan Certified, we consider this a win for the animals and the Earth and look forward to cultured meat being available worldwide. We do permit figs in Certified Vegan products. The logos below are the only ones certified by established non-profits, and even they’re not foolproof. Companies who wish to prove that their products are free from animal ingredients can certify with the following organizations. However, because palm oil contains no animal products and is not tested on animals, these are the guidelines we use for Vegan Certification, and palm oil does qualify. We recognize that this product is really popular with meat-eaters and has replaced many cow burgers being purchased over years having a significant positive impact for the animals. Using GreenerChoices.org as my primary source and then researching each certification program independently, I’ve created this guide to help you understand common cruelty-free and vegan logos/labels found on beauty products sold in North America. sheep fat can be accepted in a “cruelty-free” product). Finally, products must be GMO-free, have no cross-contamination of slaughtered ingredients, and no animal testing is allowed. With so many cruelty-free certification logos on the market, it can be difficult to decipher which ones are authentic and trustworthy. The BeVeg logo is a registered trademark, a certification mark, for products aligned with our Vegan Standards. Not every female wasp gets trapped in the fig however, if she does, she is enzymatically digested. We are working to end cruelty to animals by showing the non-vegan food industry that there is a market for vegan products. As an animal welfare organization, first and foremost, we had to make a decision whether or not we should consider and approve products for the Certified Vegan designation if they contain plant-based protein ingredients that have been PDCAAS tested but they would otherwise meet our criteria. After 20 years, it has become the most trusted and best-recognized vegan logo in North America. It also helps companies recognize a growing vegan market, as well as bringing the word Vegan—and the lifestyle it represents—into the mainstream. These criteria include no animal-derived ingredients, no cross-contamination, and the products must be GMO-free. No more reading labels, interpreting ingredients or contacting the manufacturer - we've done it for you! B Corp Pending certifications indicated companies that have applied to be B Corp certified, but have not yet been given the approval. Find this article helpful? First, experienced team members evaluate applications to query for potential animal ingredients. Furthermore, registrations must be renewed annually to ensure accurate and up-to-date information. We do approve use of the Certified Vegan Logo to brands owned by large companies and corporations. The COSMOS-standard covers in detail all aspects of the sourcing, manufacturing, marketing, and control of cosmetic products. “COSMOS Certified” and “COSMOS Approved” apply to individual or raw ingredients. Because animal cells and/or proteins are required for growing the product, it would not meet our Certified Vegan requirements of "not being sourced from animal products or animal by-products." Therefore, individual vegan products can be labeled with this logo, but it is not an indication that the company is 100% vegan. B Corp Certified companies must meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, legal accountability to balance profit and purpose, and have public transparency. This will maintain unethically high levels of animal suffering within the food industry and harm the movement towards a better world where less animals are eaten. The Another category of certifications would include organically certified products. However, Dove continues to sell in mainland China, where animal testing is still legalized, and in many cases, required. For example, Cruelty Free International is 1 of 26 groups in the Leaping Bunny coalition. Another USA based organic certification available to companies is Oregon Tilth, though this certification is not as well known as the USDA Organic certification. Vegan product certification to show the BeVeg Vegan V Logo on your products. Instructions & Process. Body certifications, such as Ecocert and the Soil Association, have various subcategories. We recognize not everyone will be in full agreement of this decision, however we truly believe this determination is in the best interest of the animals and hope you will continue to support our work. The wasp entering the fig to pollinate the flower is a natural process and is not due to human intervention. Wudu is a ritual purification for cleansing parts of the body. These logos vary in form, some saying “Not Tested on Animals”, while others simply say “Cruelty-Free”. The logo helps you choose products you can trust and will save you time. This annual event is one of the largest of its kind in the country, and boasts attendance in the 10,000 range. As you can see, there is an overwhelming number of logos, certifications, and information available. NOTE: We do not certify companies, restaurants, food trucks, farms, or manufacturers – we certify individual products. We understand and sympathize with these concerns. Mind Over Mango is all about cruelty-free, eco-friendly, and sustainable living. Remember to be aware of fake logos. We believe this option will soon be a viable, affordable, and accessible option that will reduce animal suffering and death as well as detrimental impacts to the environment. We cannot give an exact answer but we aim for 4-6 weeks (it may be 6-8 weeks for larger submissions). Previously discussed PETA logos apply to beauty-related products only. In addition, you must submit a $100 application fee. We also welcome samples and marketing information about nationally distributed vegan products for consideration on our website and social media feeds. For example, “COSMOS Organic” and “COSMOS Natural” apply to whole products. The BeVeg vegan certification program takes the BeVeg vegan verification program one step further by requiring on-site audit inspections and/or laboratory testing to gain use of the vegan certification V Logo. With the V-Label, companies promote transparency and clarity. Overall, PETA is not a trustworthy source. Making veganism appeal to all is the only way veganism will grow and therefore cruelty to animals will lessen. 10 BEST OSEA Skincare Products | Vegan Skincare, The @truebotanicals Chebula Active Immunity Serum, Happy National Lash Day! The logo gives the consumer confidence. Religiously based certifications fall within a niche market. Note: The Vegan Society does not certify whole companies. The detailed fee band can be found on page 2 of the application. The Vegan Trademark has registered 50,000 products, closing its 30-year anniversary on a high. Many companies are in fact 100% cruelty-free. When more vegan food is available it will be easier to find cheaper vegan options so people will find it easy and accessible to be vegan. We conducted our own independent search for non-animal tested plant protein manufacturers and were unable to find any that met our guidelines and the demand required of companies. Vegan Action is a nonprofit american organization working to eliminate animal suffering, reduce environmental impacts, and improve human health. Companies registered to use the “Certified Vegan” logo on approved products. Vegan “Vegan” has a relatively clear definition in the vegan and general community, but (like “natural”) does not have a formal definition from the FDA, USDA, or FTC for the purposes of labeling. In order to know for a fact, however, consumers must directly contact the company and ask specific questions. Want to know which companies are cruelty-free & 100% vegan too? This is considered animal research and is not consistent with Vegan Action’s guidelines of No Animal Testing prior to the year 2000 in order for a product to be approved for Vegan Certification. However, just like Halal certifications, these are not well regulated or established by a standardized association. In order for a product to be approved for Vegan Certification, it must not contain meat, fish, fowl, animal by-products, eggs or egg products, milk or milk products, honey or honey bee products, insects or products from insects such as silk or dyes, or sugar filtered with bone char or be processed with any animal products or by-products. Many companies are in fact 100% cruelty-free. This guide is intended to help educate consumers and break down each classification. Like other PETA logos, this certification is not necessarily reputable. There are several overlaps categorically between certifications. Companies must provide documentation of the steps that are taken to thoroughly clean the machinery. Do you accept products that contained refined sugar? These subcategories define specific criteria. Click on this link to make the application submission payment once you have submitted your application. Finally, once manufacturers have completed the PDCAAS evaluations, the FDA does not require repeated animal feed trials to maintain product compliance. The Certified Vegan Logo is a registered trademark, similar in nature to the kosher mark, for products that do not contain […] Vegan … We base our Certified Vegan standards on ingredients, animal testing, and processes for individual ingredients and the final product. We believe this option will soon be a viable, affordable, and accessible option that will reduce animal suffering and death as well as detrimental impacts to the environment. This article discusses cruelty-free, vegan, vegetarian, organic, and even religious-based certifications commonly found on cosmetic and personal care products. Not only that, but there are a variety of other certification logos that may also grace the packaging of products you wish to purchase. Even though it does not meet criteria for being Vegan Certified, we consider this a win for the animals and the Earth and look forward to cultured meat being available worldwide.