Arnott’s shuts down claims BBQ Shapes are vegan

A popular vegan social media account shared a video on TikTok that asked “are barbecue Shapes vegan or not?”

It delved into what was described as a “controversial topic” in the vegan community, stating confusion stems from two ingredients listed on the box that are commonly derived from animal products – Worcestershire sauce and a flavour enhancer, E65.

Arnott’s confirmed neither ingredients used in the Shapes flavour are made from animal derived ingredients, but stated it “may contain” them due to shared equipment in the production process.

The box also states Shapes “may contain traces of egg and milk”, dairy items vegans don’t eat.

Despite this, the video concluded the snack item was “the one and only Shapes flavour suitable for vegans”, prompting Arnott’s to respond.

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“Although there are no animal derived ingredients in the Original BBQ Shapes, we do not market them as vegan as this product may contain traces of animal from other products (such as Roast Chicken Shapes and Cheese & Bacon),” a spokesperson told news.com.au.

Standards set by Vegan Australia to determine if a food product is suitable for those following a diet free from animal products states in order to be “certified” as safe “reasonable steps must be taken to minimise cross contamination”.

The standard allows the use of shared kitchens, equipment, machinery, production lines, factories, etc, where both vegan and non-vegan products are made or handled, as long as reasonable steps are taken to minimise the risk of cross contamination.

If there is a risk of contamination with animal products, the product packaging should include an appropriate statement, such as ‘may contain …’ or ‘made in a facility that also handles animal products’ or similar.

Products that are not eligible for the “Vegan Australia Certified” tick of approval.

Some commenters on Alex’s video also pointed out the “may contain” means the product cannot be guaranteed as vegan.

Original BBQ Shapes also do not make Peta’s list of “accidentally vegan” products, though a number of other Arnott’s items do.

News.com.au has contacted the vegan social media page for comment.

Continue the conversation @RebekahScanlan | rebekah.scanlan@news.com.au