EU-wide logo for more clarity

A simple logo with a green leaf on it will indicate to every citizen of the EU which products are “bio”. Which means, they comply to the guidelines and originate from ecologically sound cultivation.

The members of the EU already decided on 1 July 2010 to bring about more clarity in the jungle of logos. The “Green Leaf” has been introduced, with the stars representing the European Union and the leaf nature. Packaging already printed at that point had a transition period until 1 July 2012. The label has now become mandatory to warrant a minimum standard to customers. If you see the logo, you can be sure to have bio inside.  At least 95% of the ingredients have to originate from certified organic cultivation and only 0,9% can come from genetically engineered material. The consumer can also see where the food has been produced and tested.

But, the regulation also has its weak points, and it still remains difficult to find your way through the maze of logos. Existing logos remain valid and producers can add their own and other logos as well various bio seals along with the “Green Leaf”.

And, there will still be exceptions to labelling. The new uniform label is only for packaged food, which means that organic apples sold on the weekly market may or may not have the label on them. The same applies to produce grown outside the EU, as long as it complies to the European bio regulations.

Hey, good to know what’s up.  Do you think this uniform logo is helpful or will the jumble of labels continue to exist?