How do I know it's organic?

Any organic product sold in the UK must by law display a certification symbol or number. When you see an organic symbol, you can be sure that the product complies with minimum government standards. These standards are set by the UK government and meet European and international standards. Each certification body has its own symbol and EU code number.

The Soil Association organic symbol is the UK's main certification mark, appearing on approximately 80% of organic food produced in the UK.

The Soil Association symbol tells you that produce has met and in some important areas exceeded minimum government requirements. Our standards cover every stage of production from the farm until it gets to your fork. They are continually developed to raise the quality of organic food.

Are all organic standards the same?

No. As long as the EU basic standards have been met then certifying bodies can develop their own higher standards. The Soil Association’s standards are among the highest in the world – especially in terms of animal welfare.

What do the UK codes mean?

Each certifier within the UK is given a UK code - the Soil Association is UK5. The number awarded has nothing to do with stringency of standards. Legally, a company does not need to show a certification symbol on pack but if the product has been produced and/or processed in the UK they must show the UK code.

What about imported products?

As our standards are among the highest in the world, stringent checks are made. There are many certification bodies throughout the world, active in certifying and promoting organic food. When one of our licensees wishes to use an ingredient either from another country or that has been certified by another body, we need to know that the product has been produced to the same or equivalent standards as the Soil Association's. We do this by either requesting information or directly inspecting the farm or company.

What information do you ask for?

Typically, we ask for the report written by the certification body after inspection. We check that all our relevant standards have been met. If our standards, or equivalent standards have not been met then the product / ingredient cannot be used. The other option is to ask the existing certifier to confirm that our specific additional standard’s requirements have been met. We usually provide them with a document, which lists where our standards are different and additional inspection requirements are necessary.

The EU regulation lacks much of the detail of the Soil Association organic standards. We have been carrying out additional equivalence checks on imported livestock products for many years, with a particular focus on animal welfare.

What checks do you make?

When deeming meat and dairy produce as equivalent, the major checks are:

• Ensuring the animals have access to pasture
• Making sure organophosphate and organochlorine aren't used. On some farms (organic and non organic) they are used to stop parasites like mites, lice and sheep scab. However these chemicals have harmful health effects on animals, the environment and us.
• Organic farmers use clean rotational grazing systems to reduce the build up of parasites, select hardier breeds with greater resistance to pests and parasites and take great care with fencing to prevent the spread of sheep scab. In cases where animals have pest problems despite a farmers best efforts - a limited range of vet treatments (injections and 'pour ons') can be used, provided strict withdrawal period are observed in order to ensure animals do not suffer.
• Ensuring our slaughter standards are met. These include: not allowing any tenderising substances prior to slaughter; ensuring all animals are stunned before slaughter. This process must cause unconsciousness and insensibility instantaneously, without distress, and until the animal dies.