As mentioned in a previous post, organic and natural product sales have been growing steadily for the past several years. With the emergence of new, healthier and greener consumption patterns, the market is wide open for strong growth.
According to a study by Agence Bio, the Canadian organic market was valued at $ 3.3 billion in 2015. Organic products represent 2.8% of the Canadian food market and a stunning 80% of them are imported. As a local manufacturer, would you like to participate in this growing market?
Today, we’ll talk about labeling regulations for organic products. Indeed, it’s important for the consumer to quickly and easily recognize the organic logo on packaging labels, when applicable.
How to recognize organic products?
Label information on your packaging helps inform your customers about products, how they are manufactured, nutritional information etc. In a previous post, we talked about new regulations on food labels and how they can help you towards a healthier food strategy.
Also, regulation on “organic” logos and labels on packaging are particularly strict, and it’s important to consult specialists when applying a new logo to your packaging.
As a reminder, an organic product, is one that doesn’t contain fertilizers, synthetic pesticides, GMOs, colorants and preservatives and must have a minimum percentage of certified organic ingredients.
IMS, your expert in printing identification solutions, can effectively help you understanding the labeling standards for organic products and handle the production and application of certified labels using best practices.
Labels and organic products: be compliant!
Products certified and labelled “organic” are regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Those containing 70% or more of organic ingredients must indicate the name of the organization that certified the product on the label.
Organic labels on products marketed in Canada must include the following information:
- Product identification
- Name of the company holding the product certificate
- The statement “certified by Ecocert Canada”
- The list of organic ingredients that are certified
- Country of origin (if the product is imported)
- Lot number
The « Canada Organic » « Ecocert » or « Certified organic” logos are optional. Warning! Some statements are forbidden, here are some of them:
- Wine from organic grapes
- A “without GMO” statement (unless an analysis demonstrates the absence of genetically modified DNA).
Decoding of organic logos
In Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is responsible for overseeing organic product certification.
In Quebec, it’s the Québec Council of Reserved Designations and Added-Value Claims, (CARTV) that accredits organizations that certify companies. There is a long list of logos available here. Among the best known are:
©Canada organic
©Ecocert Canada
© Certified organic (OCQV)
Let us help you with your labeling project!
We have extensive experience in creating and applying certified labels, we know how to adapt to every sector and to various product specificities (organical, traditional). Contact us for any questions!
