Food Forensics’ DNA test strengthens Trademark verification

You are here

» Food Forensics’ DNA test strengthens Trademark verification

The Vegan Society’s highly-trusted Vegan Trademark testing and verification service just got a whole lot smarter thanks to a new collaboration with Food Forensics.

From today (25 May) the Vegan Trademark team will be working closely with the UKAS accredited lab to help identify and flag animal by-products or evidence of cross-contamination in food and drink items that are being tested during the Trademark registration process.

Since it began in 1990, the Vegan Trademark has registered thousands of products and currently holds over 54,000 active trademark product registrations from over 2,000 brands around the globe.

Using high-tech solutions and a Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) DNA test, Food Forensics are able to spot even the smallest indication of animal products. While the new testing system won’t replace the current one, it will help brands and businesses who struggle to get information from their supply chain. As before, applicants and current Trademark Holders will still need to provide the Trademark team with thorough evidence such as technical datasheets, clean down processes while also answering very specific questions on their ingredients.

On top of this more thorough testing process is a fantastic referral system between the two businesses. While Trademark holders will be encouraged to use the Food Forensics DNA test to fill in any gaps, Food Forensics will be encouraging the companies they work with to apply for the Trademark.

Rick Sanderson, Business Development Director at Food Forensics reacted to the news: “We couldn’t be more excited about this partnership as we share so many of the same values as the Vegan Trademark. Food Forensics was founded in 2011 to help protect both consumers and genuine producers and processors from misleading or fraudulent labelling. We’re seeing more and more people switching to a vegan lifestyle, which means there’s more demand than ever before for genuine food and drink items that are completely free from animal products, animal testing or at risk from cross-contamination and that’s where our test comes in.”

The news is also welcomed by Steve Hamon, Head of Business Development at The Vegan Society. He said: “This announcement couldn’t have come at a better time. Working with Food Forensics will further help us to bolster the support we can provide to our fantastic Trademark Holders by having a ‘nominated’ lab ready and waiting to support in any testing needs we or our Trademark Holders may have.”

“Not only will the test help us when an applicant is struggling to get information from a supplier or manufacturer but they’re also giving us access to fantastic market research and stats on the food industry that will be of huge value when dealing with brands and businesses in future.”

The Vegan Trademark is the oldest and original vegan verification scheme, managed by a team of vegan experts to provide brands and consumers alike confidence in their purchasing decisions. You can find out more about registering your product with the Vegan Trademark by visiting The Vegan Trademark | The Vegan Society.

Reg. Charity No: 279228 Company Reg. No: 01468880 Copyright © 1944 - 2024 The Vegan Society