From January 2022, the Vegetarian Society will no longer accredit new products containing shellac
From January 2022, the Vegetarian Society will no longer accredit new products containing shellac with the Vegetarian Society Approved vegetarian trademark.
Food Labelling Services comments:
Shellac resin secreted by the female lac bug. Used in confectionery products as a glazing agent, and to reduce moisture loss in fruit. Alternatives include plant waxes.
In 2021, a new ISO guidance was published (ISO 23662: Definitions and technical criteria for foods and food ingredients suitable for vegetarians or vegans and for labelling and claims). From January 2022, the Vegetarian Society will no longer accredit new products containing shellac with the Vegetarian Society Approved vegetarian trademark. A transitional phase of removing shellac from all existing Vegetarian Society Approved vegetarian trademarked products is now underway, to be completed by 31 December 2023.