Can This New International Standard Transform Plant-Based Food Labelling?

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has released a new standard for labelling plant-based foods, aiming to provide clarity, consistency, and consumer trust. This standard defines criteria for labelling animal-free manufactured foods and ingredients, promoting the use of the term "plant-based" for products devoid of animal ingredients. The ISO standard covers two categories of products, with the first allowing for the use of the label "plant-based" for items without any animal ingredients, and the second category requiring a qualifier if animal-derived elements are present.

The new ISO standard is expected to have a significant impact on global food labelling practices, potentially influencing future national regulations, corporate labelling strategies, and retailer policies. By providing guidelines for the use of the term "plant-based," the standard aims to enhance consumer trust, reduce confusion, and prevent greenwashing in the market. The adoption of this standard may also pave the way for potential governmental legislation regarding the labelling of plant-based foods and contribute to global harmonization in food labelling practices.