Products that claim to be vegan... But aren't???
Posted by EggAllergyInMD on Aug 29, 2007 · Member since Feb 2007 · 233 posts
About a year ago I came across Van's waffles and on the front they said they were eggless, dairy-free, and most importantly vegan. But on the back they had an allergy warning saying they were processed on the same equipment as eggs, milk... ect, and to make matters worse I didn't notice that until after I bought them. (Plus my mom tried to make me eat them, and I was like "hello life threatening food allergy to eggs") I've also noticed the same thing with Yves products.
Has this happened to anyone else?
I cannot stand products like that and I avoid them like the plague. I think it's like eating off a dirty dish I know I said this before.
That is so misleading....& not to mention dangerous & life-threathening. Are there not laws that deal with product labelling? It kind of seems like a no-brainer...if you are claiming something to be vegan, then that means no eggs.
I still consider them vegan, as long as those things are not ingredients. But it is somewhat misleading as far as allergy information goes.
I still consider them vegan, as long as those things are not ingredients. But it is somewhat misleading as far as allergy information goes.
Yeah, I do too. It's kind of a lot to expect a small business (like most vegan food biz's are) to buy their own factory processing machines. I hear that they thoroughly and completely clean the machines after each product is made, to avoid cross contamination, and that's why they can label it vegan. I think you were right in not eating it though, if you have death-causing allergies. It's gotta be rough to have allergies :-\
Then why do they say it all if their machinery is clean?
Some companies say this product was produced in a facility that processes soy wheat milk and egg.
And some companies say, "This product was produced on the same machinery that processes egg, milk etc".
I don't know really in one way it could mean two different things and that's more likely I think but I also think it could mean the same thing that egg, milk etc is in there.
Then why do they say it all if their machinery is clean?
They are cleaned, but they say that because if the cleaning, by some chance, happens not to prevent some crosscontamination, then people with severe allergies are at risk of death. When you're risking your customers' deaths, it's always better to be on the safe side.
I still consider them vegan, as long as those things are not ingredients. But it is somewhat misleading as far as allergy information goes.
Yeah, I do too. It's kind of a lot to expect a small business (like most vegan food biz's are) to buy their own factory processing machines. I hear that they thoroughly and completely clean the machines after each product is made, to avoid cross contamination, and that's why they can label it vegan. I think you were right in not eating it though, if you have death-causing allergies. It's gotta be rough to have allergies :-\
Agreed
Then why do they say it all if their machinery is clean?
Some companies say this product was produced in a facility that processes soy wheat milk and egg.
And some companies say, "This product was produced on the same machinery that processes egg, milk etc".
I don't know really in one way it could mean two different things and that's more likely I think but I also think it could mean the same thing that egg, milk etc is in there.
They have to label it that way because even with cautious cleaning that one little molecule that might get in there could cause an allergic reaction. Also with companies that process nuts and other dry goods the dust particles get spread around pretty easily so for someone with a severe allergy it could be important.
That explains why I kept getting sick for a week when I ate those before school. Thanks for that tip.
You're welcome :)
I still consider them vegan, as long as those things are not ingredients. But it is somewhat misleading as far as allergy information goes.
Yeah, I do too. It's kind of a lot to expect a small business (like most vegan food biz's are) to buy their own factory processing machines. I hear that they thoroughly and completely clean the machines after each product is made, to avoid cross contamination, and that's why they can label it vegan. I think you were right in not eating it though, if you have death-causing allergies. It's gotta be rough to have allergies :-\
It can be rough at times, but I've got to admit it's a great conversation starter ;)
I just wish that these products were 100% vegan not 99.9% :'(
Then why do they say it all if their machinery is clean?
Some companies say this product was produced in a facility that processes soy wheat milk and egg.
And some companies say, "This product was produced on the same machinery that processes egg, milk etc".
I don't know really in one way it could mean two different things and that's more likely I think but I also think it could mean the same thing that egg, milk etc is in there.
LIABILITY!!
If Joe the machine cleaner was having and off day and missed a corner and someone died as a result, they could get sued. This way they've disclosed that their product may have come into contact with known or common allergens and they're off the hook.
K^2
I think the company did the right thing. They said that the product is vegan, which it is. And then they warned people with allergies that it was manufactured where eggs are used.
As a vegan, I'm glad they say they're vegan. I'm also glad they warn allergy sufferers. Seems like they did what they should to me.
I just wish that these products were 100% vegan not 99.9% :'(
Me too. But I have to feed my family.
If had the choice of a "non" processed on the same equipment as eggs, milk... blah, blah, blah product, I would choose it over the alternative.
One day...
It will be as easy for us, as it is for them.