Is the word “vegan” on a food label legally defined?

Until then a general rule applies: voluntary information such as “vegan” or “suitable for vegans” must not mislead consumers or be ambiguous. The manufacturer is responsible for it being true.

In practice, private certifications with their own criteria and checks give the most certainty, such as the V-Label (vegan) or The Vegan Society trademark. No logo does not mean a product is not vegan – then the ingredients list decides. “Plant-based” or “veggie” are not certifications and do not always mean there are no animal-derived ingredients.