Another interesting news for consumers: as of 1 July 2012 also the new EU organic logo becomes obligatory on all pre-packaged organic food products produced in the EU. This means that any European product without this logo which claims to be organic, has not, in reality, fulfilled the European norms set for organic products. Imported products as well as non-packed organic products may choose to use this logo, as well. This does not mean that other logos confirming the organic character of the product will disappear from the labels, e.g., of received private certificates or regional logos (see pictures below this post for examples thereof). However, consumers who were confused by different logos on the organic products and doubted as to the product's organic character will be able to get some clarity now - they just need to look for the logo of an "Euro-leaf" (on the right).
This logo was introduced 2 years ago but with a two-year transition period before it became mandatory. Still, in the past two years almost a quarter of EU citizens already learned to recognize it.
"The visual field of the logo should also show the code number of the control body and the place of farming of the agricultural raw materials." (EU organic logo fully up and running from 1 July 2012)
