Labelling of organic foods

Euro leaf on a green background

The labeling of organic foods serves as a guide for consumers, providing a transparent way to understand the origin and production methods of food and to make informed choices.

In Austria, an organic product can be identified by the following labels:

  • “aus biologischer Landwirtschaft” (from organic farming)
  • “aus ökologischer Landwirtschaft” (from ecological farming)
  • the derived abbreviations such as “bio-” or “öko-”

The EU Organic Logo:

In the EU organic logo, the EU stars are arranged in the shape of a leaf on a green background. This simple design conveys two clear messages: nature and Europe. The correct labeling and use of the EU organic logo on packaged organic foods has been mandatory across the EU since 01 July 2010. The logo indicates that the necessary legal requirements (EU Regulation 2018/848) are met.

The EU organic logo provides organically produced products with a uniform identifier, which is helpful for consumers. At the same time, it allows farmers to market their products more easily throughout the EU.

The Three Components of the Code Number:

In addition to the EU organic logo, information is provided about the code number of the respective control body as well as the origin of the ingredients.

Example: AT-BIO-301

  • AT = Headquarters of the organic control body
  • Organic = it is an organic product
  • 3 = Federal Province (in this case Lower Austria)
  • 01 = Number of the control body)

The designation of origin:

The designation of origin must be placed right under the code.

There are the following possibilities of indicating the origin:

  • “EU agriculture”

  • “Non-EU agriculture”
  • “EU/non-EU agriculture”
  • “Austrian agriculture” This designation can be used analogously for other countries.

In addition to the EU organic logo, other private, regional, or national logos may also appear on the packaging.

AMA Organic Seal with Origin Label

The state-recognized AMA Organic Seal was developed by AMA Marketing GesmbH based on the EU organic logo and additionally guarantees that the organic product has been inspected. With the origin label “Austria” (red), the raw materials must come entirely from Austria, provided they can be produced domestically. For the AMA Organic Seal without an origin label (black and white), no information about regional origin is provided.

red-and-white label saying: AMA organic label, tested quality, Austria

Association Labels

Almost two-thirds of all organic farms are voluntarily members of an organic association. Additional guidelines must be followed (for example, biodiversity incentives, reduced use of concentrated feed, hand-harvesting in viticulture). Compliance is additionally monitored and entitles the farm to use the association label.

Advice

Identifying Organic Products at a Glance:

  • Label “aus biologischer Landwirtschaft” (from organic farming)
  • Short designation “Bio” may be printed
  • Code number of the control body (for example: AT-BIO-301) must be indicated
  • The EU organic logo (green leaf with stars) must be shown, including the origin of the products
  • Optionally, the AMA Organic Seal, organic producer labels, or association labels may also appear