CRITERIA

The following products and ingredients are excluded from the use of the iTal seal.

(1). Animal flesh (meat, fowl, fish, seafood)

(2). Ingredients derived from meat or bone products ( in soups, sauces, or other preparations)

(3). Animal fats (including milk fat) frying fat or margarine containing fish oil or similar animal products.

(4). Gelatin, Aspic, Gelling agents of animal origin.

(5). Royal jelly/ honey

(6). Any products containing ingredients originating from slaughterhouse by-products.

(7). Eggs.

(8). Genetically modified organisms.

(9). Animal testing

(10). Cross-contamination in the production process.

(11). Distilled alcohol

(12). Refined sugar

We understand that many vegetarian or vegan companies lease non-vegan kitchens and equipment from other companies to produce their products, for various reasons. Cost-effectiveness and organic certification are some of the most common.

On the strictest level of iTal, there would be no approval seal, as mass-produced, over-refined, over-processed, canned, or packaged foods are automatically disqualified. Nevertheless, we live in a world made up mostly of concrete metropolises with dwindling and decaying forest habitats. We no longer grow or produce our foods. The manufactured food industry has made it convenient for us to have whatever we want, however, and whenever we want it. There is no need for us to cook, we’ve left that up to some faceless assembly-line personnel or a high-tech fast-food-making robot in a factory somewhere in China. Yet, there are those of us who prefer to set personal guidelines and standards by which we consume in a world dominated by mass consumerism. The choice is ours to make. Choose wisely. 

By choosing iTal Certification you are choosing to set yourself, your product, service, or business apart from the habits of mass-consumerism and in particular unconscious consumerism. You are saying that you have clear standards and values that you are willing to live by, and you are willing to prove it. The iTal Certification illustrates your devotion to quality and those values that determine your brand’s identity. It is not only just a good look in the eyes of your consumers but it tells them that you are officially approved and are a part of a bigger entity.