Is a Product “Vegan” if the Producer Engages in Animal Testing?

There are no animal ingredients, but are these things okay for a vegan to eat? (Photo by Ella Olsson on Unsplash)

There are many discussions on social media on what constitutes a vegan product. Many people think that if the producer of the product engages in animal testing, the product cannot be considered as vegan and not suitable for a vegan to consume.

Some years ago, this issue came up with respect to Daiya cheese substitute. Here is an (slightly edited) essay…