As someone who has recently gone vegan I know first hand that making sense of food labels can be a daunting task! One particularly common issue is trying to determine if products with “may contain milk” on the label are actually suitable for a vegan diet. So, let’s dive in and find out what this label really means and whether or not we can consume these products.
What does “may contain milk” mean?
The “may contain milk” label is generally used as an allergy warning and found on food products that don’t intentionally contain milk or milk-derived ingredients. However, this label is a way for manufacturers to inform consumers that the product might have come into contact with milk during the production process. Cross-contamination can happen when a product shares manufacturing equipment or production lines with other products containing milk.
It’s important to note that this label is mainly used as a precautionary measure to protect people with severe milk allergies or intolerances. The actual risk of cross-contamination varies among manufacturers and products, and the presence of milk in these products might be negligible or even non-existent in some cases.
Can vegans eat products labelled as “may contain milk”?
This is where things get a bit tricky. Since the “may contain milk” label indicates the possibility of cross-contamination rather than the intentional use of milk as an ingredient, some vegans might argue that consuming such products is acceptable.
The decision to consume products labelled as “may contain milk” is ultimately a personal choice that depends on your interpretation of veganism and the level of strictness you want to adhere to.
Personally, I’m happy to consume products labelled as may contain milk, providing of course that they don’t contain any animal derived ingredients.
Some vegans choose to avoid these products altogether, while others feel comfortable consuming them, knowing that the risk of cross-contamination is often minimal.
Cross-contamination and allergen vs vegan labelling
When discussing “may contain milk” labels, it’s crucial to differentiate between allergen labelling and vegan labelling. The primary purpose of allergen labels is to protect those with severe allergies or intolerances. On the other hand, vegan labelling aims to inform consumers about the intentional use of animal-derived ingredients in a product.
In the UK, there isn’t a universal, legally regulated certification for vegan products, so companies may use different labelling systems. This can make it challenging to determine whether a product is truly vegan or not. As a vegan, it’s essential to read ingredient lists carefully and be familiar with the various terms used for animal-derived ingredients.
When shopping for vegan products, look for vegan certification logos, such as The Vegan Society trademark, which ensures that the product meets specific standards and does not contain any animal-derived ingredients.
Conclusion
The decision to consume products labelled as “may contain milk” is a personal choice that each vegan needs to make based on their beliefs and comfort level. While these products do not intentionally contain milk, there is a possibility of cross-contamination. Remember to carefully read ingredient lists and look for vegan certification logos to help you make informed choices.
As the vegan community grows and evolves, we can hope for more transparency and standardisation in vegan labelling, making it easier for us to navigate the world of plant-based eating.
I’m the founder and editor-in-chief at GetVedgy. As a former meat eater who only recently made a commitment to veganism, I’ve spent a lot of time over the last couple of years researching the subject. It felt like a good idea to share what I’ve learnt and help to answer the questions I’ve had that no doubt many others’ will also have.