Is crushed red pepper vegan?

Crushed red pepper is a spice condiment made from dried and coarsely crushed hot chili peppers, most commonly cayenne-type varieties of the botanical species Capsicum annuum. To produce this ingredient, mature red chili peppers are harvested, dehydrated to reduce moisture content, and mechanically crushed or flaked to incorporate both the dried pepper skins and seeds. It is frequently listed on labels for spice blends, pasta sauces, frozen pizzas, marinades, prepared savory meals, and snack foods.

Crushed red pepper is vegan because it is derived entirely from a plant source. The manufacturing process involves strictly mechanical and thermal steps, such as harvesting, washing, drying, and grinding, without the addition of animal-derived processing aids, colorings, or carriers. Provided that the product contains pure crushed red pepper without non-vegan flavorings or cross-contact additives, it contains no animal products at any stage of production.