Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the application for Vegan Logo endorsement, providing guidance on eligibility, application procedures, documentation, labelling requirements, and other regulatory requirements for obtaining endorsement of the Vegan logo.

 Annexure-I Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on application for Vegan logo endorsement

1. Whether raw commodity/unprocessed plant source single ingredient product/raw agriculture and horticulture commodity (Ex: Cereals, Pulses, legumes, oil seeds, dry fruits, etc.) apply for vegan logo endorsement?

Ans: The following products need not apply for vegan endorsement:

i. Products which are vegan by default like raw agricultural commodities viz. Rice, Cereals and pulses, oil seeds, dry fruits etc.

ii. Agriculture commodities which are minimally processed without any addition of other ingredients viz. Oil, Wheat flour

iii. Raw agriculture/ horticulture commodities singly or mixed without any addition of other ingredients.

However, if the FBO still submits an application for vegan endorsement on such products, the fees paid along with the application shall not be refunded.

2. Should FBO apply for multiple application or single application in case of same product containing different flavours (Ex: Flavoured plant based drink in 4 different flavours (Chocolate Flavour, strawberry Flavour, orange Flavour etc.) and different products from the same firm?

Ans: Yes, same product with multiple variants and two or more different products from the same firm, a separate application for each variant/product needs to be submitted and the same shall not be considered under single application.

3. What is the mode of payment for Vegan logo endorsement?

Ans: The Food Business Operators (FBOs) seeking approval for endorsement of ‘Vegan Logo’ are required to submit the application fee as applicable or as revised by the Food Authority from time to time through the online e-payment portal (Link: https://epay.fssai.gov.in/fps/loadindex). The transaction receipt and invoice generated shall be submitted to the Food Authority as an enclosure to the application.

4. If a product is packed in multiple stock keeping unit (SKUs) e.g. 1kg glass bottle, 500g pouch, 250g plastic jar etc. then do the FBO have to submit all labels for all SKUs separately with the same application?

Ans: No, the endorsement is for the product and not for size/ type of packaging material used.

5. If there is any change in only design of FOP, then do the FBO have to re-submit the application?

Ans: No, as long as there is no change in the product composition/processing, the FBO need not resubmit the application.

6. If there is only quantification change of ingredients like increase in added sugar or reduction of salt or acid, then do the firm have to re-submit the revised documents/ labels each time?

Ans: No, as long as there is no change in the product ingredient, additives and processing aids (addition of new ingredients, additives and processing aids or removal of existing ingredients, additives and processing aids) the FBO need not re-submit the revised documents/ labels each time for only change in quantification of the ingredients.

7. What is the process for retailer/marketer applying for vegan endorsement having multiple manufacturing units?

Ans: The vegan logo endorsement is given for the applied product for particular manufacturing site. Hence, in case of multiple manufacturing facility for single product, the retailer/marketer must apply separate application for each manufacturing site.

8. Where to submit the application for approval of vegan logo for endorsement?  

Ans: Vegan logo endorsement application hard copy to be submitted to Advisor (Science and standards), Food Safety & Standards Authority of India, FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road, New, Delhi-110002. Soft copy to be sent to email –idvegan-foods@fssai.gov.in

9. How to get vegan logo endorsement?

Ans: Once the Form-B (Approval Letter) is issued, the Food Business Operator shall submit the approval letter (Form-B) to the concerned Licensing Authority through FOSOCS for endorsement of the vegan logo on the product applied.

10. Whether terms like vegan salami, plant-based egg powder, vegan sausages, vegan bacon, chicken like, veg meat, plant-based meat, vegan mock keema, etc. can be used on the label for vegan logo endorsement?

Ans: No, the term vegan cannot be clubbed with meat and meat-based products like salami, chicken, bacon, etc. on the label and no claim comparing the products to meat products in any sensory manner shall be used.

11. Can products be applied under the Category Cheese Analogues/ Dairy Analogues?

Ans: No, products cannot be applied under the Category Cheese Analogues/ Dairy Analogues. As per FSSR, “Analogue in the dairy context”, means a product in which constituents not derived from milk take the place, in part or in whole, of any milk constituent(s) and the final product resembles, 3

organoleptically and/or functionally, milk or milk product or composite milk product as defined in these regulations. Vegan endorsement is only applicable for products that are not of animal origin (like milk and milk products /Meat and Meat products/Fish and Fish Products/Poultry & Egg Products/Cheese Analogues/Dairy Analogues) and in which, at no stage of production and processing, ingredients (like Honey), including additives (like Gelatine), flavourings, enzymes and carriers, or processing aids (like Bone Char filter) that are of animal origin has been used.

12. Can Vegan and Non-Vegan Products be processed on the same line?

Ans: If the same production line is shared with non-vegan products or ingredients, thorough cleaning or comparable measures in conformity with Good Manufacturing Practices shall be carried out before production of vegan products commences and the same shall extend to all associated machinery, equipment, utensils and surfaces. In such cases, The FBO shall mention clearly mention on the Label “Processed on the same line where other non-vegan products are processed”

13. Shall fees be refunded to the applicant if application is closed?

Ans: No, as per extant policy the fees shall not be refunded to the applicant if the application is closed by the authority.

14. Can Vegan Endorsement be given for CoA depicting Non vegan parameters like Lactose, Milk Fat etc.?

Ans: No Vegan Endorsement cannot be given for CoA depicting Non vegan parameters like Lactose, Milk Fat etc. FBO is advised to ensure the same before applying for Vegan Logo endorsement.