Animal Origin

What the label says. And what it doesn't.

Some ingredients come from animals. Some might. And some hide behind technical names that give nothing away. BOTIA reads the label and flags what it finds — so you can decide.

Why this matters

Whether you avoid animal products for ethical, religious, dietary or personal reasons — the label is not always on your side. An ingredient can be animal-derived and still appear as a code, a chemical name, or simply 'natural flavouring'. BOTIA makes that visible.

How BOTIA reads animal origin

🐾 Confirmed animal origin

Some ingredients are always from animals: gelatine, carmine (E120), shellac (E904), beeswax, lactose, casein, whey, honey. When BOTIA finds these, there is no ambiguity.

Gelatine Carmine (E120) Shellac (E904)

❓ May be animal-derived

Other ingredients may come from animals or plants depending on the manufacturer: E471, E472, lecithins (E322), glycerol (E422), enzymes, natural flavourings. The label does not say which. Only the manufacturer knows.

E471 E472 Lecithins (E322) Glycerol (E422) Enzymes Natural flavourings

What about 'vegan' labels?

There is no legal definition of 'vegan' in EU, UK or US law. It is a voluntary claim — not a regulated guarantee. BOTIA reads the ingredient list, not the marketing.

BOTIA CAN

  • Detect ingredients confirmed as animal-derived.
  • Flag ingredients that may be animal-derived when the label does not specify.
  • Make visible what the label leaves unclear.

BOTIA CANNOT

  • Certify that a product is vegan or vegetarian.
  • Confirm the exact origin of ambiguous ingredients — only the manufacturer can.
  • Detect animal-derived processing aids not listed on the label.

BOTIA reads what is declared. For full certainty, contact the manufacturer or look for a certified vegan logo.

Sources: EU Regulation 1169/2011 · Codex Alimentarius

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