Organic labelling deadline looms

The deadline for all organic food produced in the UK to carry a legally required EU logo is rapidly approaching.
A new Europe-wide symbol for certified organic produce was introduced in July 2010, though a transitional period has been allowed for it to be included on packaging. 

 However, from the end of June this year the use of the EU logo, along with its associated wording, will be demanded by law.
Organic Farmers & Growers (OF&G), which inspects and certifies organic food and farming across the UK, is highlighting the risks producers and processors face if they fail to ensure all of their packaging meets the requirements.


“We have been pushing this message out to our licensees regularly now and ensuring all new labels we check and approve are compliant,” says OF&G certification and compliance manager Steve Clarkson. “But, based on the feedback we are getting from the industry generally, we have concerns that the approaching deadline hasn’t reached the ears of everyone who needs to know. There has been no central alert or notification to all organic operators from the EU or Defra, but that doesn’t provide a defence for anyone who falls foul of the regulation.


“Quite simply, from the first day of July this year, a product that has been pre-packaged in an EU member state and which does not carry the correct EU symbol and wording will be breaking the law and, as this is not an overnight change but one that has enjoyed a two-year transition, there will be few, if any, legitimate excuses available.”