The definition of ‘no-animal testing’ is defined as no use of animals (live or deceased) for any type of research or testing purposes whatsoever to include feed or nutrition trials, toxicity testing, or animal tests or trials “as required by law” and not being tested by another company or independent contractor since the year 2009 and will not be tested on animals in the future.*

*Learn about the PDCAAS Exception

Plant-based proteins have exploded in popularity, making the transition away from animal products easier, healthier, and more accessible. Because protein is a vital nutrient for muscle growth and other tissues, many companies want to highlight this benefit on their packaging. In the U.S., the FDA requires companies to use a Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) to determine the actual protein value of a food, which is then used to calculate the % Daily Value on the Nutrition Facts panel. The PDCAAS is a method that evaluates a protein’s quality based on how well the human body can digest it and use its amino acids. The PDCAAS has also been adopted by FAO/WHO as the preferred method for the measurement of the protein value in human nutrition.

Since 2014, the FDA has mandated animal feed trials to determine this score. The protein is fed to an animal, and its feces are collected for evaluation. As an animal welfare organization, this presents a conflict: our Certified Vegan guidelines prohibit animal testing conducted after 2009.

Despite our principles, we’ve made the difficult decision to approve these ingredients for Certified Vegan products for several reasons:’

• Every major plant-protein manufacturer has now conducted these animal trials to meet FDA regulations.
• We believe that having more certified vegan products available makes it easier for people to choose plant-based foods. Labeling these products as “not vegan acceptable”, will deter people from choosing plant protein options, in direct opposition to our organization’s goal. This will maintain unethically high levels of animal suffering within the food industry and harm the movement towards a better world where less animals are eaten.
• Once a manufacturer has completed the PDCAAS evaluation, the FDA does not require repeated animal trials to maintain compliance.