Considering sugar to be non vegan just because it has possibly been filtered using animal derived coal is not far away from considering products made by workers who consumed meat to also be non-vegan.
The definition of vegan changes depending on who you ask.
A good sugar and salt dry rub is excellent on a rack of ribs.
Um. Is PETA considered a reliable source?
Considering they are one of the most extremist and hypocritical organizations I can think of I would certainly vote a strong no on that