The confusion is the result of poor labelling.

It calls overall food safety into question as 52% of respondents agreed that the complex nature of UK labels makes it difficult for people with dietary requirements to make informed decisions about their food.

This includes those following vegetarian, vegan, dairy free and gluten free diets.

You can read the full article HERE

 

Food Labelling Services comments:

Labelling of allergens is regulated by the Food Information Regulations EU 1169/2011. There are strict requirements on how these have to be declared, and statements that have to accompany the allergens. To be 'Gluten Free' a product should have less than 20ppm gluten. To be considered as 'Dairy Free', there is a guideline that the product should have <0.03% lactose, and that this can be confirmed by independent analysis. Other allergens do not have specific tolerances that can be measured.

Labelling of foods for those with lifestyle chioce dietary requirement, such as vegetarians and vegans is less regulated. Education of the consumers is imperative, and products are highlighted as 'Suitable for Vegetarians' or 'Suitable for Vegans'.