Vegan campaigners have handed over a petition signed by 12,000 people urging supermarket Lidl to ‘clearly and consistently label its own-brand vegan products’.
The petition was started by leading animal rights organization Animal Aid, as part of its #MarkItVegan campaign which calls on all major supermarkets to label their own-brand vegan products.
Since the campaign launched in 2016, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Iceland and Waitrose have all committed to such labeling – Sainsbury’s and the Co-op have been labeling their own-brand vegan products for some time.
Vegan at Lidl
According to Animal Aid, Lidl says it is ‘conducting a full review’ of its own-brand vegetarian and vegan labeling, which it described as ‘welcoming news’ – but added that ‘it does stop short of a commitment’.
“Despite being very vegan-friendly and offering a wide range of plant-based products, Lidl is still inconsistent with its labelling across its own-brand vegan range,” said Animal Aid.
Vegan campaign
“The #MarkItVegan campaign has been very successful so far, with all other major supermarkets committing to clear and consistent vegan labeling,” Animal Aid Campaign Manager, Tod Bradbury, told Plant Based News. “Now it is time for Lidl to not fall behind and do the same.”
“Clearly labeling products as ‘suitable for vegans’ in some way has a host of benefits: firstly, it enables those of us who avoid animal products entirely to easily find which products are vegan.
“Secondly, it helps non-vegans realize how many delicious vegan options there truly are to choose from. In addition, it can also help those with allergies to ingredients like dairy and eggs.
“As the interest in veganism, and plant-based eating, increases, so too does the need for companies to ensure that they are catering for this huge and ever-growing market.”