Risk characterisation of milk protein contamination in milk-alternative ice cream products sold as frozen desserts in the United States

“Vegan” and “plant-based” claims: risk implications for milk- and egg-allergic consumers in Canada

“…Milk proteins were also detected in a chestnut cake, with the text “vegan” in the product’s name (i.e., “vegan chestnut cake”) and milk in a blanket PAL statement. Although milk protein levels were lower in this sample (2.6 ppm; 0.25 mg estimated exposure dose), this finding brings up attention to the potential issue of cross-contact milk beyond dark chocolate noted in other market surveys [ 3 , 17 , 31 , 32 ]. Yang et al [ 3 ] included “vegan” items (n = 19) in their market survey of cross-contact milk in milk-alternative frozen desserts; all these samples were below the level of quantification, as was the case for all items of this food category (n = 5) included in our survey.…”

“…Although milk protein levels were lower in this sample (2.6 ppm; 0.25 mg estimated exposure dose), this finding brings up attention to the potential issue of cross-contact milk beyond dark chocolate noted in other market surveys [ 3 , 17 , 31 , 32 ]. Yang et al [ 3 ] included “vegan” items (n = 19) in their market survey of cross-contact milk in milk-alternative frozen desserts; all these samples were below the level of quantification, as was the case for all items of this food category (n = 5) included in our survey. In addition, although applicable to a different jurisdiction (United States), Yang et al (2022) [ 3 ] also raised the issue of potentially contradictory labelling (e.g., “vegan” items with PAL for milk) and the risk it may pose to consumers seeking to avoid milk.…”

“…Yang et al [ 3 ] included “vegan” items (n = 19) in their market survey of cross-contact milk in milk-alternative frozen desserts; all these samples were below the level of quantification, as was the case for all items of this food category (n = 5) included in our survey. In addition, although applicable to a different jurisdiction (United States), Yang et al (2022) [ 3 ] also raised the issue of potentially contradictory labelling (e.g., “vegan” items with PAL for milk) and the risk it may pose to consumers seeking to avoid milk. No other market surveys of cross-contact allergens in “vegan” products were found in the literature.…”

“…This growth is expected to continue, driven by consumers’ increasing concerns related to the environment, sustainability, and animal welfare, as well as their interest in foods perceived as healthier [ 2 ]. When referring to foods, the term “vegan” generally implies that ingredients of animal origin (meat, poultry, fish, seafood), including eggs and milk, are not part of the formulation [ 3 ]. Individuals allergic to animal proteins (e.g., milk, egg) may therefore perceive “vegan” labels as indicators of safety and use them to guide purchasing decisions.…”

“…Yet, most CFIA recalls of products marketed as “vegan” are due to presence of undeclared ingredients of animal origin (19/21, since 2012), notably milk and egg [ 6 ]. Similarly, cases of “vegan” products containing these allergens have been reported in several jurisdictions other than Canada [ 3 , 7 , 8 ], posing a serious risk to allergic consumers, and in one instance, a fatality [ 9 ].…”