What is PAS 224 about?
At present, many foods are labelled as “100% plant-based,” without a consensus on how that label should be used. To enable consumers to make informed choices, PAS 224 establishes clear and simple criteria to define 100% plant-based food.
PAS 224 does not include any detailed criteria or technical guidance for specific food types.
PAS 224 does not cover:
- Unprocessed fruits and vegetables
- Animal feed, pet food; or
- Packaging material for foods
NOTE: 100% plant-based is not necessarily the same as, vegan or vegetarian. Specifically, in relation to vegan, it is often the case that there are additional specific requirements that need to be met that exceed the requirements for 100% plant-based foods.
Who is PAS 224 for?
PAS 224 on plant-based foods is relevant to:
- Manufacturers of plant-based foods
- Food business operators (FBO)
- Retailers
- Advertisers
- Regulators
Why should you use PAS 224?
To improve public health and move towards imbibing sustainable life choices, Public Health England recommends reducing consumption of red and processed meat and full fat dairy products.
In this regard, PAS 224 gives recommendations on the composition and characteristics of 100% plant-based foods to formalize the criteria that should be met in order to use a claim of “100% plant-based. Its key components are that:
- 100% plant-based foods contain no ingredients from animals
- 100% plant-based foods can also contain ingredients of neither plant nor animal origin, such as water or salt
- 100% plant-based” applies solely to ingredients, and not to production and/or manufacturing processes
PAS 224 ensures FBO adhere with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) at all stages of food production and processing to prevent the presence of animal-derived substances in the product offered to the consumer.
Conformity to PAS 224 helps to ensure a level playing-field and fair practices for business-to-business and business-to-consumer communication.
PAS 224 is your one-stop guide to incorporate best industry practices in the category of plant-based foods, which with standardised labelling and claims can enhance credibility for your product.
