Organic food is food from organic farming; the term is legally defined by an EU regulation.
Organic plant-based foods are grown without the use of chemical-synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers or sewage sludge and must not be genetically modified. Animal products come from animals that are kept according to the rules of the regulation and are not usually treated with antibiotics and growth hormones. Organic products may not be subjected to ionising radiation and fewer food additives are permitted for them. They may contain up to 5 % non-organic ingredients.
The EU organic logo shows a stylised leaf on a green background and has been valid since July 1, 2010 for all packaged, organically produced foods that are produced in the EU and comply with EU legislation on organic farming. In addition, organic products can bear the German organic seal and the symbols of private associations and trademarks.
