Consumer organisation Foodwatch has found ‘hidden’ animal ingredients in food and wants labelling changed to include these.

A Foodwatch investigation, quoted in the AD, showed ingredients such as fish gelatine in fruit juices and traces of beef in crisps, none if which were included on the label.

Animal products and by-products are used in many foods and drinks, according to Foodwatch, including cheese and bread. But rather than listing them among the ingredients, manufacturers put them under an E-number.

In many cases, they are used as ‘technical assistance material’ during preparation of products. Because they are not officially ingredients, it is quite legal not to state them clearly on the label.

Transparency

This lack of transparency means people who do not eat meat or fish on principle or for religious reasons are unknowingly doing so.

‘It should be clear from the label if these products are being used, even if that is just for added taste or aroma,’ Foodwatch told the AD. ‘It is unacceptable that people are eating them without knowing.’

The organisation has begun an email campaign in the hope this will propel health minister Edith Schippers to change the law on labelling.