What are our organic labels good for?

Buying organic is the trend. But many people ask themselves in the supermarket: is it really organic? What do the various organic labels mean? We show you ways out of the label jungle here

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via Lea
01/30/2017, 13:00
Zahlreiche Siegel mit dem Begriff BIO verwirren Verbraucher: Welcher ist anerkannt, welcher ausgedacht?© Fotolia/Klauser
Consumers are confused by the numerous seals with the term BIO: which one is recognized, which one is made up?

What does organic actually mean?

For a product to be labeled as organic, it must meet certain criteria in terms of cultivation and animal husbandry. For example, no synthetic chemical sprays, no genetic engineering and a maximum of 50 out of 300 approved additives may be used. The animals are also given more exercise and organic feed.

Organic labels: What do the different labels actually mean?

  • State organic seal. Our German organic seal was launched in 2001. Since 2012, it has been supplemented or replaced by the EU organic seal. Organic packaging can currently still bear both or only the EU organic seal. Good to know: The products only have to meet the minimum organic requirements for animal husbandry and cultivation.
  • Organic seal of the farming associations. These include Naturland, demeter, Bioland, Biokreis, Biopark, Gäa, Verbund Ökohöfe, Ecoland and Ekovin. The labels have stricter cultivation and animal husbandry requirements than the state labels. For example, demeter only allows 13 additives, animals must have more space and cows must not have their horns clipped.
  • Fairtrade. Strictly speaking, this is not an organic label, but a social label. This is because it says nothing about cultivation or animal husbandry, but only about fair working conditions - for example, that cocoa farmers receive a minimum price.
  • Free from genetic engineering. This label is often mistaken for an organic label - but it is not. However, no genetic engineering may be used in the food.

Can I also trust the organic label from the discounter?

Yes, regardless of whether they are specially labeled organic products from supermarkets such as Rewe or from discounters such as Aldi - they all at least comply with the legal organic requirements. However, it is often difficult for the consumer to recognize whether and which criteria they meet beyond this. If in doubt, ask in the store. Also, only trust seals - not mere product descriptions such as "natural" or "green".

Be careful with these terms

Read carefully: You will find a wide variety of descriptions on food packaging. Do not be misled. Some terms have nothing to do with the organic regulations.

Organic:

  • organic
  • organic
  • controlled organic
  • controlled organic
  • biodynamic
  • organic

Not organic:

  • near-natural
  • alternative
  • controlled
  • naturally fertilized
  • environmentally friendly
  • unsprayed
  • from contract farming
  • integrated farming
  • not chemically treated