The Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA), San Francisco, launched a new Certified Plant Based program, what is said to be the first and only plant-based food certification. The Certified Plant Based protocol, which focuses on plant-based alternatives to animal-based foods, specifies the criteria required to make a certified plant-based food claim, certified by NSF International, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Foods eligible for certification include meat alternatives such as plant-based meat, poultry and fish, egg substitutes, milk alternatives and other dairy alternatives such as plant-based cheese, yogurt, butter and ice cream.

“The launch of the Certified Plant Based seal is an exciting next step for the fast-growing and innovative plant-based foods industry,” says Michele Simon, PBFA’s executive director. “As consumers are looking to purchase more plant-based options, this new seal ensures confidence in what plant-based means.”

“Plant-based food sales are growing rapidly,” says Steve Taormina, manager for NSF International’s Consumer Values Verified Program. “The best way for consumers to navigate the marketplace and make confident purchasing decisions is to look for independent certification of the plant-based claim.”

Tofurky, Hood River, Ore., and Oatly, New York, are the first companies to participate in the new program, certifying Tofurky’s Italian Sausage and Oatly’s Original, Barista, Mocha Barista, Chocolate and Low Fat varieties.

“Tofurky is a proud early adopter of the new Certified Plant Based seal. In partnership with the PBFA, we’re setting an expectation for a recognizable category trust-mark,” says Jaime Athos, chief executive officer of Tofurky. “This mark will provide consumers with confidence in purchasing 100% plant-based foods for health and sustainability.”