Plant Based Foods Association unveils new certification label

The Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA) has launched the Certified Plant Based programme, which it claims is “the first and only plant-based food certification”.

A Certified Plant Based protocol, which focuses on plant-based alternatives to animal-based foods, specifies the criteria required to make a certified plant-based food claim, PBFA said. NSF International is the certifying agency.

PBFA said foods eligible for certification include meat alternatives such as plant-based meat, poultry, and fish; egg substitutes; milk alternatives; and other dairy alternatives such as plant-based cheese, yogurt, butter and ice cream.

Launched in 2016 by 23 US-based companies, PBFA now represents 126 firms, including Campbell’s, Beyond Meat, Oatly, Symrise and Quorn.

PBFA executive director Michele Simon said: “The launch of the Certified Plant Based seal is an exciting next step for the fast-growing and innovative plant-based foods industry.

“As consumers are looking to purchase more plant-based options, this new seal ensures confidence in what plant-based means.”

Research from Nielsen published earlier this year revealed that plant-based food sales grew by 20% on the previous year.

Steve Taormina, manager for NSF International’s Consumer Values Verified Program, said: “Plant-based food sales are growing rapidly. The best way for consumers to navigate the marketplace and make confident purchasing decisions is to look for independent certification of the plant-based claim.”

PBFA members Tofurky and Oatly are the first brands to participate in the new programme. The first certified food and beverages include Tofurky’s Italian sausage and Oatly’s original, barista, mocha barista, chocolate and low-fat varieties.

Tofurky CEO Jaime Athos said: “Tofurky is a proud early adopter of the new Certified Plant Based seal. In partnership with the PBFA, we’re setting an expectation for a recognisable category trust-mark. This mark will provide consumers with confidence in purchasing 100% plant-based foods, for health and sustainability.”