By Marcy Schveibinz

On their website https://www.target.com/c/wellness-icon-glossary/-/N-gduk0 Target says, “Our icon system makes it easier to make the right choice. To receive an icon, the item has to meet its category’s minimum requirement. If it meets the minimum requirement, the item is awarded icons that highlight what you want to know—so you can easily find what you’re looking for.”

Target’s vegan icon description states, “A product that carries an unqualified independent, third-party certification or on-pack statement relating to the product being 100% vegan.” So it seems Target does not have their own standards, and they rely on the manufacturer.

When I attempted to get further information about Target’s own brand, this is the response I received:

“Thanks for contacting us about follow up for food labeling. We evaluate all claims made on packaging to comply with FDA and USDA regulations and it is our commitment to make claims that are truthful and not misleading. We do not have any information to share at this time in regards to that specific claim.”

The contents of this posting, our website, and our other publications, including Vegetarian Journal, are not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. We often depend on product and ingredient information from company statements. It is impossible to be 100% sure about a statement, info can change, people have different views, and mistakes can be made. Please use your best judgment about whether a product is suitable for you. To be sure, do further research or confirmation on your own.