New Organic Logo in EU

Effective as of 01 July 2010, the labelling of all pre-packaged foods and beverages in Europe is to contain the European Organic Logo. The design, of a leaf made up of 12 stars, is intended to give consumers “complete confidence” according to the European Commission.

The logo is to be used on all new organic products but existing products have until 01 January 2012 to allow current packaging material to be used up.

Country of origin or the raw materials used in the product must also appear on the labelling when the Logo is used, as per the following requirements;
- EU Agriculture
- Non-EU Agriculture
- EU/Non EU Agriculture

If all the raw materials are from only one country, then that country’s name can be used on the labelling instead.

According to the new organic requirements by the EU, products will only be considered as being organic if the following are met;
- At least 95 per cent of the product’s ingredients of agricultural origin have been organically produced;
- The product complies with the rules of the official inspection scheme;
- The product has come directly from the producer or preparer in a sealed package;
- The product bears the name of the producer, the preparer or vendor and the name or code of the inspection body
- The product does not contain GMOs