The European Union’s Council of Ministers has approved a new regulation on organic food production and labelling.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The move, agreed yesterday (12 June), is designed to better regulate a sector that has come under criticism from consumer groups for lacking standardisation.
The new law will have far reaching effects for food manufacturers, applying equally to all stages of organic food production, including processing, packaging and labelling.
Under its terms, from 2009 organic products that have a minimum 95% organic content will have to carry an EU organic logo, although this can be accompanied by national and/or private logos. Currently, the officially authorised EU organic farming label is not compulsory, and national standards have differed, leading to some confusion among consumers.
Also, under the new harmonised EU-system, non-organic products can list organic ingredients on labels. As for the controversial topic of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), their deliberate use in organic foods will remain prohibited, but a limit of 0.9% accidental GMOs in a food product was backed by ministers. Food irradiation will also be banned for organic products.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataManufacturers of EU-organic labelled products will also have to list where organic ingredients were produced, including information on imported organic products.
The regulation will also cover organic aquaculture, wine, seaweed and yeasts.
