Canadian shoppers who prefer plant-based foods can now identify legit plant-based products by the PBFC ‘certified’ seal on the packaging. The certification program, which was developed in the U.S., is being extended to Canada, as manufacturers meet qualifications for membership in the industry association.
Plant-Based Foods of Canada (PBFC) has partnered with the US-based Plant-Based Foods Association (PBFA) to make the plant-based food certification program available in Canada. The protocol, owned by PBFA, focuses on plant-based alternatives to animal-based foods and specifies the criteria to use the Certified Plant Based seal. Foods that are eligible for PBFC certification include: meat, poultry, and seafood alternatives, egg substitutes, and dairy alternatives such as plant-based milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, and ice-cream.
A plant-based feast: Canadians can now be assured of the
Plant-Based origin of veggie foods bearing the PBFC seal.
“We want to make it easy for Canadian consumers to confidently identify plant-based products as the plant-based food industry continues to grow and new products enter the market,” PBFC Executive Director Leslie Ewing explains. “The Certified Plant Based seal provides assurance that products contain no animal-derived ingredients.”
By the numbers…
A recent Nielsen poll commissioned by the PBFC showed that certification is important to consumers seeking reassurance that the ‘plant-based’ products they are buying are genuinely meat-free.
A news release from CBFC states: “The Certified Plant Based seal will instill consumer confidence, build awareness of plant-based food options, and establish a consistent identifier for the plant-based foods industry. NSF International serves as the certifying agency supporting the program by providing independent verification before the seal can be used.”
Previous Nielsen research revealed that plant-based foods in Canada continue to post strong sales growth, even throughout the pandemic, and are now valued at over $500 million dollars per year.
It’s happening now
The first products carrying the Certified Plant Based seal are starting to show up on Canadian store shelves. now.
Plant Based Food manufacturers can join the initiative by becoming members of the organization. Consumers and food manufacturers can get further information at: www.plantbasedfoodsofcanada.ca.
~ Maggie J.