The increasing availability of organic products means that consumers are better informed about their properties and positive impact on the environment. Despite this, there are still many myths and inaccuracies circulating. It’s time to dispel them!
FACT – Products labelled with the Euroleaf come from certified farms and livestock breeding
The Euroleaf is the official EU label confirming that a product has undergone the entire organic certification process. This symbol on the label guarantees that the food has been produced in accordance with legally defined organic farming rules, covering both cultivation and breeding as well as processing. These standards take into account the protection of the environment, climate and animal welfare.
Please note! The mere presence of the words “organic” or “eco” on the packaging does not constitute proof of the product’s organic origin. For the name to be legally compliant, it is necessary to include the EU organic farming logo, which means that the producer is subject to the EU control system. If you want a genuinely organic product, look for the Euroleaf symbol.
What does the EU organic food label look like?
- The logo is a rectangle composed of 12 stars arranged in the shape of a leaf.
- The standard size is 9 × 13.5 mm (minimum size: 6 × 9 mm for small labels).
- The green background has a strictly defined colour code.
- On single-colour labels, a black and white version or a white version on a dark background is permitted.
- If the colour of the packaging is similar to the green of the Euroleaf, the logo must be framed.
However, the graphic symbol alone is not enough. The label must also include:
- the number of the certification body,
- information on the origin of the raw materials, e.g. ‘EU agriculture’, ‘non-EU agriculture’ or ‘EU/non-EU agriculture’.
MYTH – “Slow food” or “healthy food” is the same as “organic food”
The terms “slow food” and “healthy food” are not synonymous with organic food. They may refer to unprocessed, traditional or local products, but they do not have to meet any organic requirements.
So if you see this term on the packaging, do not treat it as a guarantee. The only confirmation of compliance with organic principles is the EU certificate – the Euroleaf.
FACT – Organic farming prohibits the use of artificial fertilisers, pesticides, hormones and growth stimulants
This is a basic principle of organic production. Crops cannot be supported by synthetic fertilisers or chemical plant protection products. Natural methods are used to combat pests: biological, physical or mechanical.
Strict standards also apply to animal husbandry. Animals cannot be fed GMO feed, and the use of growth promoters is completely prohibited. They must also be provided with good welfare conditions – access to pastures, paddocks and organic meadows.
MYTH – Organic food acts as a medicine
Many factors influence health: lifestyle, physical activity, genetic predisposition, stress and sleep quality. A healthy diet is one of them, but it cannot replace treatment or guarantee the avoidance of disease.
However, organic food has a significant advantage – it contains fewer agrochemical residues and has a high biological value, which makes it a beneficial part of the daily diet. However, in the case of any elimination diets, a specialist should be consulted.
FACT – Organic production promotes environmental protection
Organic farms operate in accordance with strict EU regulations. They do not use artificial fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides or pharmaceuticals that are not necessary for treatment. Instead, they use natural raw materials, minerals and biological methods.
This means that the soil, water and air are not polluted with harmful chemicals. Organic products also contain fewer nitrates, heavy metals and other contaminants than their conventional counterparts.
MYTH – Organic food has a “strange” taste and smell
The difference in taste and aroma is mainly due to the absence of artificial flavour enhancers, colourings or aromas. For those accustomed to heavily “enhanced” products, this may be surprising at first.
However, this is not a flaw, but a natural characteristic. Taste buds need time to readjust to real, less intense but authentic flavours. After a while, many people find the taste of organic products more pleasant and distinctive.
