[InitialLastName]

I know a number of people who have allergies to some animal products (notably eggs or dairy). Given the growing familiarity with (and catering to) vegan diets, they find it much easier to use "is it vegan" as a shortcut to "can I eat this" rather than interrogate food workers about specific ingredients.

[srean]

We both must be close to the truth which we will never know. My guess was that he was lactose intolerant.