Abstract
A large number of Americans are vegetarians or vegans due to ethical rather than dietary concerns. Current food labeling laws require affirmative disclosure of ingredients, but for a number of reasons often allow the use of ingredients which are or may be derived from animal or “slaughter” products, or the inclusion of minute amounts of such products as flavoring, without disclosure to the consumer, or even a reasonable means of discovery. Recent regulations, for instance the disclosure of potential allergens, show that there is a relatively simple means to correct this problem and do so with minimal disruption and cost to manufacturers.