Products of animal origin (POAO) in supplements
Fish oil, collagen, gelatine, colostrum and bee products all come from animals. Products of animal origin have extra hygiene and traceability rules, and some must carry an identification mark.
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What counts as POAO
Products of animal origin are foods that come from animals, such as meat, fish, milk, eggs and honey, and products processed from them. In supplements, common examples are fish and krill oil, collagen, gelatine, colostrum, egg membrane, honey, propolis and royal jelly, and glucosamine or chondroitin from animal sources.
The identification mark
Establishments that produce or handle certain POAO must be approved, and their products must carry an identification mark: an oval mark showing the country and the establishment's approval number. It shows the product came from an approved site that meets hygiene rules.
Does your supplement need one?
It depends on what the product is and where it was made. Some supplement makers that only use processed animal ingredients alongside other ingredients don't need approval, while others do. Ask your manufacturer or ingredient supplier whether their site is approved and whether a mark applies, and check with your local authority if unsure. Official guidance is published by the FSA and Food Standards Scotland.
What we check
When your product contains animal-origin ingredients and the pack shows no identification mark, our check flags it and explains when the mark applies, so you can confirm with your supplier before print.
Check your packaging
Upload your artwork and get a report in minutes, with the rule behind every finding and a suggested fix.
ProofMyLabel is an automated pre-check, not regulatory sign-off or legal advice. The food business operator remains responsible for the packaging.