JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Following the introduction of new food products to the Israeli market, including ingredients produced using advanced technologies and containing milk protein not derived from animals, Israel’s Ministry of Health clarified that labeling a product as “parev” or “vegan” does not indicate the absence of allergens, including milk allergens.

The Ministry of Health stated: “Recently, a protein known as BLG (β-Lactoglobulin) was approved for use in food and is being added to products not made from animal sources. For individuals with a milk allergy, this is a milk allergen that may cause a severe, even life-threatening allergic reaction just like regular milk.”

Products containing this ingredient may be labeled “parev” or “vegan,” but they are not suitable for individuals with a milk allergy and must include milk allergen labeling in the ingredients list. The Ministry of Health emphasized that the only reliable way to verify the presence of allergens is by reading the ingredient list on the product label.

The Israeli Association of Allergy and Clinical Immunology responded: “The association warned the Ministry of Health several months ago about the risks of marketing food products labeled as ‘parev’ or ‘vegan’ while containing milk protein.”

The association added: “Patients with milk allergies are advised to avoid parve products due to the possibility of milk traces. Despite this, many rely on the ‘parev’ label as an indication of safety. Therefore, the use of the term ‘parev’ may be misleading and dangerous. Moreover, such products may not only be consumed directly but also used in baking and cooking, including in kosher meat restaurants.”