How do I know it's organic?

Organic is a term defined by law. Any food products labelled as organic must meet a strict set of standards which define what farmers and food manufacturers can and cannot do in the production of organic food.

Organic product sold in the UK must by law display a certification symbol or number. Health and beauty and textile products are exempt from this law, so it is important to look for a genuine certification symbol for assurance that the product is truly organic.

Soil Association organic symbol

The Soil Association organic symbol is the UK's can be found on 80% of UK organic food products. 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.

UK certifier codes

Each certifier within the UK is given a UK code - the Soil Association is GB-ORG-05. 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.

Imported products

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 to check 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 requirements have been met. We usually provide them with a document, which lists where our standards are different and additional inspection requirements are necessary.

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.