Vegan Certified or Vegan Verified?
- Bhavin Patel
- May 26, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 8
Here at VeganMed, we avoid using the word "vegan" to describe medicines and supplements. Veganism avoids all exploitation of animals, but due to current regulations, animal testing is often used in the development of medications and supplements. A large percentage of medications and supplements are not vegan, but they can be animal-free.
The most robust method for companies to confirm that their products are animal-free is third-party certification, however, not every certification is created equal. Some certifications only look at an ingredient list or manufacturing process. Others, such as VeganMed's Animal-Free Certification, incorporate laboratory testing in certain cases, to ensure the product contains no animal ingredients.
Companies can also confirm their products are free from animal-derived ingredients with self-verification, meaning the company itself claims an animal-free product. This confirmation leaves more gray area and requires a high degree of trust between the consumer and the company.
All products on VeganMed's online marketplace have been verified, however, not all of them are certified. Verification means that the VeganMed team verified the ingredient list from individual companies to determine that the products do not contain animal-derived ingredients.
Verification and certification processes are incredibly important! Product labels are notoriously complicated and confusing, and manufacturers do not always list every ingredient (especially fillers) on the label. We want to help people quickly and confidently choose products that match their lifestyle preferences and health necessities. Click here to learn more about the American Medical Association's recommendations on labeling animal-derived ingredients.
Disclaimer: The product and/or information provided on VeganMed is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not lab test the products to confirm that they are free from animal ingredients, and it is possible that the formulation and ingredients could have changed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product. The information provided in this post is accurate and up to date as of the date it was written. However, please note that circumstances and facts may change over time, and new information may become available that could alter the accuracy or relevance of the content. We encourage readers to verify and cross-reference any information provided here with trusted sources or consult relevant professionals for the most current and accurate updates.
Looking for certified and verified animal-free products?
Thank you for your awareness and concern for animal-derived ingredients!
As a reminder, please comment on our FDA Citizen Petition, requesting clear labeling of animal-derived ingredients in medications. Together, we can make a difference.
If you have any further questions about ingredients in your medicines and supplements, feel free to reach out to the VeganMed team!
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