India Implements Veg Labels

This month, India has mandated that all food manufacturers must provide clear indicators on packaged foods denoting whether or not the product contains any animal-derived ingredients. The Food Safety and Standards Regulations issued on August 5 require that all items containing non-vegetarian components be marked with a red circle within a square; conversely, products suitable for vegetarians and vegans will be labeled with a green version of the same mark. Unfortunately, the US has yet to put a similar system in place, as the US Department of Agriculture recommends—but does not require—that manufacturers label the presence of animal-derived ingredients in their foods.