“Of course”, “biological cultivation”, “controlled cultivation”, “environmentally friendly” – the German market has long been flooded by terms and seals, with which providers promote their products as particularly sustainable or organic. In view of the multitude of markings, it can often be confusing to distinguish real organic quality from other products. But there are protected and binding labels.
Biole life plays a crucial role in environmental and animal welfare: When generating it, it is more important to sustainable agriculture than in conventional agriculture. The generation of biological food therefore puts a lot of stress on the environment. Germany is one of the top 10 countries worldwide when it comes to per capita consumption of organic farms, but only about 14 percent of German farmers produce organic or eco, which is why a large part of these products have to be imported. But which terms and seals from the license plate jungle really stand for ecologically grown foods or animals that are kept from biological aspects?
What are the rules for organic food?
Organic products are characterized by the fact that the companies promote species -appropriate animal husbandry and offer animals better living conditions than with conventional companies. When growing plants, organic operations also have to do without chemical-synthetic pesticides and slightly soluble mineral fertilizers. GMO-modified plants may not be used. There is a small exception in animal husbandry: 0.9 percent of animal feed may be genetically modified.
Not only the production, but also the processing of organic food is subject to strict regulations. Accordingly, at least 95 percent of the ingredients must come from ecological cultivation; Exceptions for the remaining five percent are also legally stated and only allowed if these ingredients are not available in ecological quality.
In order to ensure compliance with the standards, officially approved private control points check the entire operation at least once a year and also carry out unannounced samples from producers and processors. Organic companies are obliged to document all transactions. This means that you have to grasp exactly what was sold and by whom – and how much. The traceability of the products to their original producer is particularly important to ensure the quality and integrity of organic food.
“Eco” and “Bio” – protected terms
In order to be able to mark their products as “organic”, the companies must adhere to the requirements of the EC Eko Ordinance. Only then can they also advertise their products as “biological”, “ecological” or with the abbreviations “organic” or “ÖKO”. These have been legally protected in the EU since 1993. Combinations such as “controlled biological cultivation” or “organic bio” are also permissible and mean that the company adheres to the EC Eco Ordinance. It is important here that “organic” and “ÖKO” only apply to food. By definition, natural cosmetics or natural medical devices cannot be “biologically” according to the EC Eco Ordinance.
Beware of pseudo-sealing
It is important to note that many alternative terms or apparent descriptions are not legally protected. “Controlled cultivation”, “environmentally friendly”, “environmentally friendly” or “untreated” sound sustainable, but there are no defined definitions for them. The dealers can decide for themselves what is “environmentally friendly” or what part of their ingredients must be “untreated”. There are also no uniform regulations for the popular term “regional cultivation”.
Control number and countries of origin
The control number on organic food stands for the position that has checked the company or the company. It consists of a country code, the name (in Germany “ÖKO”) and a three-digit number of the respective control point. Food tested in Germany at the beginning the abbreviation “de”. The control number must always be clearly placed next to the EU bio logo.
In addition to the control number, the origin of the products must also be specified. If over 95 percent of the processed ingredients come from a certain country, this can be specified. Otherwise, the names “from EU countries” or “from non-EU countries” are allowed.
This is how I recognize the EU bio logo
The European Union organic logo was introduced in 2010 to create a uniform labeling. It shows a light green colored square, on which a stylized leaf is mapped, which is composed of stars. It can also be used in black and white. For packaged organic food, manufacturers are obliged to use the logo. It can therefore be found on all packaged organic products that are manufactured within the EU. For unpacked products or those from non-EU countries, it is possible to voluntarily carry the logo; However, you must also adhere to the corresponding guidelines.
The German organic seal
The German organic seal is a hexagonal sign with a green frame, in which the “organic” stands and on which the lettering “Bio according to EC-Öko regulation” can be found. It has been common in Germany since 2001 and is known to 95 percent of Germans according to consumer surveys. More than 100,000 organic products are registered in Germany under this organic seal. However, the use is not mandatory, but voluntarily, in addition to the EU organic logo.
More seals and logos
In addition to the EU organic logo, many German organic associations have introduced their own seals, which often contain stricter rules and requirements than that of the EU, especially in terms of animal husbandry. Demeter, Naturland or Bioland are well-known examples of associations whose requirements go beyond those of the EU regulation.
Organic products from own brands of larger supermarket chains such as “Rewebio”, “Penny Bio” or “DMBio” must also follow the EU specifications. However, it can also make sense to look at the EU organic logo to ensure that it is really organic products.
Recognize organic at weekly markets and farm shops
The labeling requirement by the control number also applies to loose goods. It must be clearly recognizable for the products, for example on the price tag. If you want to go absolutely safe, you can also ask the farm for a valid check-up certificate to ensure that the products actually meet organic requirements.