The Bio-Label as a Seal of Organic Quality
The “Bio-Label” is the most popular in Germany and other German-speaking countries. Founded in 2011, it mainly labels food made from (more than 95 %) organically grown products and includes several production standards. The use of synthetic chemical inputs such as fertilizers, antibiotics, and pesticides is permitted. Furthermore, the usage of genetically modified seeds, flavor enhancers, artificial flavors, dyestuffs, and emulsifiers is forbidden.
The idea is that organic farming should be as good as possible in harmony with nature: Soil fertility should be preserved with crop rotation at its best. Plus, animal husbandry must meet higher species-appropriate standards, and the needed animal feed should mainly come from their own farm.
The label also requires the absence of genetic engineering (GMO-free), pesticides, antibiotics, and chemical growth hormones.
Even if a product doesn’t bear the Bio-label, products labeled as „organic“ have to meet the standards required for the label due to EU legislation: All these markings are protected trademarks.
The EU-Bio-Label
The EU-Bio-label has existed since mid-2010. It is similar to the German Bio-label but the difference is that 0,9 % of genetically modified ingredients are allowed.
Organic cultivation vs. genetic engineering
If you emphasize organic cultivation and you want to completely avoid genetic engineering, the German label meets your expectations better than the EU-label.
If 95 % of organically grown products are not enough, you should look for the „Demeter“-label which guarantees you 100 %. Plus, it is way stricter than most of the other labels dealing with organic products. All labels can be found in organic shops, well-stocked supermarkets, and farmer’s markets. I’ll provide you some information about some useful labels in the next few days – so, stay tuned!
Do you look for labels when going to the supermarket? Do you even buy organic food or other ecological products? Why? Did you know that these labels prohibit the use of genetic engineering? Tell us 🙂
More information can be found HERE.
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