As we mark World Vegan Month, it’s important to remember that while veganism is often associated with health-conscious eating, vegan does not mean allergen-free. For boarding school catering teams supporting pupils with allergies, this distinction is critical.
Recent Food Standards Agency research reveals that 62% of people mistakenly believe “vegan” labelling guarantees safety from animal-based allergens like milk or egg. It does not.
In the UK, there’s currently no legal definition for “vegan” food labelling, nor are products required to undergo rigorous allergen testing. A product labelled vegan may still carry Precautionary Allergen Labelling (PAL) such as “may contain milk,” reflecting potential cross-contamination during production.
This differs significantly from ‘free-from’ labelling, which must meet strict safety standards ensuring the specified allergen is completely absent. For example, a “milk-free” label must be backed by robust controls, from ingredients to packaging.
In boarding schools, where safeguarding pupil wellbeing is paramount, clear understanding and careful labelling are vital. Catering teams should not assume vegan products are safe for pupils with allergies – especially when allergens like gluten or nuts are involved.
Key takeaway: Vegan labels support ethical and dietary choices but are not a substitute for allergen-safe practices. Catering teams must rely on verified ‘free-from’ products and rigorous allergen management to ensure pupil safety.
Covering all aspects of allergen management, allmanhall’s Registered Dietitian Tess Warnes will be giving a webinar in partnership with BSA/HEIDA on Wednesday 05 November – Managing allergies with confidence in boarding school settings
Book your webinar place here: https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/managing-allergies-with-confidence-in-boarding-school-settings/
Don’t leave safety to chance.
Get in touch to learn how allmanhall can help your boarding school ensure safe, compliant, and confident allergen management.
The difference between vegan and
free-from allergy labelling
Categories: News
