Can any product that looks natural, local or “straight from the farmer” be considered organic? This is a common belief, but food labelled as organic (BIO) must meet clearly defined requirements regarding the method of production and the origin of the ingredients. These rules are set out in European Union regulations, including provisions specifying production methods and labelling rules for organic food.
For a product to be labelled “organic”, at least 95% of its ingredients must come from certified organic production. Such products are marked with the EU logo – a green rectangle with white stars forming the outline of a leaf, known as the Euroleaf. This symbol confirms that the product has a valid organic certificate valid throughout the European Union.
What does organic certification mean?
A certified organic product is produced without the use of synthetic chemicals intended to intensify production. The organic farming system covers the entire chain – from cultivation and breeding, through processing and packaging, to the import of raw materials or products from countries outside the EU, provided they meet European regulations.
Organic production is subject to mandatory control by authorised certification bodies. Supervision applies to farms, processing plants, warehouses and companies involved in the marketing or packaging of organic products. Only retail outlets offering pre-packaged organic products are exempt from certification.
What are the rules for organic production?
The most important foundation of organic farming is the prohibition of chemical plant protection products and synthetic fertilisers. This reduces soil and environmental contamination. Organic farming allows the use of natural substances such as:
- chalk, limestone, dolomite,
- natural phosphates,
- compost, manure and other biological fertilisers.
Chemical equivalents of natural substances are not permitted.
Similar rules apply to organic animal husbandry. GMOs are prohibited throughout the entire production process – this applies to feed, seeds, feed additives and other substances used in animal husbandry. Animals must live in conditions that ensure their welfare, with access to outdoor runs or pastures, and the areas where they are kept must also be organic.
The use of synthetic amino acids, growth stimulants or hormones in animal feed is prohibited. The prophylactic administration of pharmaceuticals is not permitted; if treatment is necessary, natural, herbal and homeopathic methods are used first, and synthetic drugs are only administered in justified cases.
Processing – minimal intervention, maximum naturalness
In the processing of organic products, only a small number of additives are permitted – only about 50 of natural origin, which is only 20% of the substances permitted in conventional food production. The list of permitted additives includes: soda, yeast, organic acids (lactic, malic, citric, tartaric), pectins, guar gum and gum arabic.
The following are also used in organic processing:
- inert gases for packaging,
- diatomaceous earth for filtration,
- non-genetically modified enzymes,
- natural emulsifiers, e.g. lecithin.
A full list of substances permitted for organic production can be found in Annex VIII to Commission Regulation (EC) No 889/2008[1] .
Why is it worth choosing organic food?
Certified organic products do not contain residues of prohibited substances such as synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers, antibiotics, hormones or artificial enhancers. Organically grown plants grow at a natural rate, taking from the soil the nutrients they actually need. Animals on organic farms are not subjected to treatments that artificially increase their productivity.
As a result, organic products are characterised by their full, natural flavour and high nutritional value.
Where can you buy organic food?
Organic food can be found:
- in specialised organic food shops (both brick-and-mortar and online),
- in large grocery chains, where the availability of organic products is constantly growing,
- in shops and wholesalers offering certified products,
- through direct sales – many producers offer the option of ordering online or through food cooperatives.
To ensure that a product is organic, look for the Euroleaf symbol on the packaging, which confirms EU certification.
[1]https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/PL/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:02008R0889-20180101&qid=1520847477181
