The standards were developed in response to a shift in consumer purchasing behaviour, resulting in the rapidly growing demand for plant-based products and the need for brands to ensure consumer facing claims are validated.
BRCGS hoped the introduction of the new Plant-Based Issue 1 Standard would help protect brands’ reputations and mitigate risks, while providing certainty to both consumers and industry alike.
The Plant-Based Global Standard applies only to the control of animal inputs in plant-based products. This applies to the manufacture, processing and packing of processed foods – both own-label and branded – as well as ingredients for use by foodservice companies, catering companies, and food manufacturers.
Framework for manufacturers
It provides manufacturers with a framework to assist them in the production of plant-based foods and includes operational criteria required to be in place to ensure products are free of material of animal origin.
In a statement, BRCGS said: “Even the most informed consumer may unknowingly consume animal products or ingredients due to the challenge of correctly identifying animal-containing ingredients based on product labelling information alone.
“BRCGS have introduced a Plant-Based Global Standard on-pack trademark that will empower consumers to make informed choices quickly and easily. The trademark will allow brands and products to differentiate themselves.”
Meanwhile, Burger King’s plant-based Rebel Whopper has landed in the UK, offering consumers meat-free alternative to one of its most popular products.
