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The Daily Insight

What does the EU organic logo mean?

Author

Caleb Butler

Updated on April 03, 2026

If used on a product, the EU organic logo indicates that this product is in full conformity with the conditions and regulations for the organic farming sector established by the European Union. For processed products it means that at least 95% of the agricultural ingredients are organic.

What is the organic symbol?

The organic logo can only be used on products that have been certified as organic by an authorised control agency or body. This means that they have fulfilled strict conditions on how they must be produced, processed, transported and stored.

How do I know if my EU certification is organic?

So, How Do You Check If A Food Product Is Really Organic in the UK? Look for the EU logo on the product. The EU logo has been required as a mandatory logo on all organic products since 2012 in the EU. Its purpose is to make it easier for consumers to identify organic products.

Can I use organic logo?

Yes. The code number of the control body must appear on all products using the terms referring to organic production, irrespective of the use of the logo. However, the place of farming is compulsory only when the logo is used.

What is EU organic?

Organic animal production in the EU has its own set of regulations that encompasses animal care and animal welfare. Producers in Europe can only use the organic label when the product contains 95 percent organic agricultural products.

What does organic mean in Europe?

But what does “organic” mean exactly? EU definition of organic farming. Organic production means a sustainable agricultural system respecting the environment and animal welfare, but also includes all other stages of the food supply chain.

How do I use USDA organic logo?

Using the USDA Organic Seal Correctly

  1. First and foremost, the seal must be printed legibly and conspicuously.
  2. Size: The USDA Organic Seal must be larger than the QAI Certified Organic mark.
  3. Shape: Don’t warp or change the shape of the seal.
  4. Colors: Don’t change or invert the seal’s colors.

What is required to be labeled organic?

Products labeled “organic” must contain at least 95% organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt). Any remaining ingredients must consist of non-agricultural substances that appear on the NOP National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.

What is EU organic certified?

The United States has an “equivalency arrangement” with the EU. What does this mean? This means that as long as the terms of the arrangement are met, organic products certified to the USDA organic or European Union (EU) organic standards may sold, labeled, and represented as organic in both countries.

Can you label something organic?

In order to label a product as “Organic,” the product must have the following characteristics: Contain at least 95% organic ingredients. The remaining 5% must be allowed ingredients. Any agricultural ingredients in the product must be organic unless unavailable.

Can organic farmers use pesticides UK?

The good news is that it is currently not available to any farmers in the UK. It is still permitted under the organic regulations, so farmers elsewhere in the EU still have the option to use it.

Who can use the logo of an organic product?

The logo must be used by: all pre-packaged EU food products, produced and sold as organic within the EU. Additionally the logo can optionally be used by: imported products where the product conforms to the EU rules on the import of organic goods;

What are the aims of the EU organic logo?

Aims of the organic logo. The EU organic logo gives a coherent visual identity to European Union produced organic products. This makes it easier for the consumers to identify organic products and helps farmers to market them across the entirety of the EU.

What are the EU regulations on organic production and labeling?

EU regulations on organic production exclude products from fishing and hunting of wild animals but include harvest of wild plants when certain natural habitat conditions are respected. There are specific rules for wine and aquaculture. EU regulation 834/2007 on organic production and labelling of organic products

Can the same ingredient be present in organic and non-organic products?

The same ingredient cannot be present in organic and non organic form. Next to the EU organic logo, a code number of the control body must be displayed as well as the place where the agricultural raw materials composing the product have been farmed.