At first, the symbol was to appear on the Society's letterheads and on window stickers in restaurants, hotels and cafés, frequently accompanied by the words -- 'We Serve Vegetarian Meals'.

By the early 1980s, with the considerable growth in vegetarianism, the symbol was becoming more actively sought out. Food manufacturing companies were also beginning to realise the potential of using the symbol on their range of products.

A Liaison Officer was first appointed in 1986, who quickly set about the task of regulating application for and administration of the symbol.

Many manufacturers wanted to use it, believing their products to be vegetarian. Closer inspection could often reveal that such products contained non-veggie cheese, animals fats or additives.

This resulted in the drawing up of the first set of official Vegetarian Society guidelines concerning the wider application of the symbol. They stated that a product had to be free of animal flesh (meat, fowl, fish or shellfish), meat or bone stock, animal carcass fats, gelatine, aspic, or any other products resulting from slaughter.

Shortly afterwards the brief was extended to include only free-range eggs, and in 1998 the criteria were once again amended to exclude genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Approval will only be granted to products or ingredients not tested on animals since 1986.

The Society also requires that cross-contamination does not occur between vegetarian and non-vegetarian products during food production.

If the same production line is used, thorough cleaning and testing must be carried out before vegetarian production commences. This extends to all associated machinery, utensils, surfaces and clothing, which must remain free from non-vegetarian products before vegetarian products are touched, prepared, produced or packaged. Procedures must be established to ensure packaging mix-ups and other errors do not occur.

This simple set of guidelines are embodied by the Society's approved logo -- which guarantees foods are absolutely suitable for vegetarians.

Millions of people have come to rely upon the symbol's unique positioning. No other symbol can give consumers such reassurance and inspire such trust. In a recent survey, 96 per cent of respondents believed that The Vegetarian Society's stamp of approval was the most trustworthy and most recognisable guarantee of vegetarian suitability.

A staggering 82 per cent of consumers are aware of what the symbol means and 67 per cent of all manufacturers sampled believed the symbol had advantages over those that appeared similar.

Such is the faith shown, manufacturers who do not even sell in the UK continue to approach The Vegetarian Society for approval and symbol-use overseas. A massive 83 per cent of current symbol users believe that their own usage will increase in line with extending product lines.

The symbol is now proudly displayed on a diverse range of over 2,000 product lines available in the UK and abroad. You will find it displayed upon a huge assortment of products, which include retail food and drinks, catering supplies, household goods, cosmetics and toiletries.

The Society continues to work in mutually beneficial partnership with the food industry and is always happy to consult on products or ingredients, to extend the range of food suitable for vegetarians.

The scheme continues to go from strength to strength. It is far more popular and widespread than ever, which can only be good news for vegetarians and food manufacturers alike.

The Vegetarian Society's trusted symbol of vegetarian suitability is now displayed on over 2,000 products in the UK and abroad.