What is called "organic" must actually be organic - or so you might think

In the food service industry, it seems that what is labeled organic is not always organic. This is now to be changed for Austria.

Organic is more than just a production designation - it conveys respectful treatment of nature and raw materials, avoidance of animal suffering, regionality and high quality.

Especially if you also pay attention to the origin of your food in everyday life, you don't want to carelessly buy mass-produced goods for expensive money when you go out.

Unfortunately, random checks have shown that the term "organic" is often nothing more than a marketing gimmick in the catering trade - a deliberate misleading of guests, which is now to be stopped.

What should you look out for?

There is a big difference between food labeled as "organic" on the menu (e.g. schnitzel from organic straw pork) and food certified as "organic" overall.

This certificate is awarded by Bio-Austria after thorough and regular testing. So you can definitely believe it.

You can find information on the different gradations of the term "organic" in gastronomy and a map with designated organic establishments here.

Of course, you could ask about individual dishes labeled as "organic" - but even that is no guarantee of their authenticity.

How can we put a stop to this?

There is a lack of government controls that could increase the truthfulness of organically produced products and put a stop to consumer deception.

After years of pressure from actual organic restaurateurs, this is now to be changed.

Mandatory organic certification is the aim - this may sound incredibly bureaucratic, but it is simply intended to ensure that anyone who claims to serve organic food must also provide transparent proof of this in future.

Of course, this requires controls by state-recognized bodies.

A draft on this topic has been submitted to the Ministry of Health following consultation in the Organic Farming Advisory Council.

The industry is expected to give its broad approval.

A regulation should be on the table this year.

pro.earth conclusion:

We must bear in mind that demand determines the market and that we, as consumers, therefore have a certain amount of responsibility. Every one of our "purchasing decisions" counts. 💚