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 70% of organic food produced in the UK. The symbol tells you that produce has met and in some important areas exceeded minimum government requirements. Our standards are continually developed to raise the quality of organic food higher.

What do the 'UK' codes mean...

Each certification body within the UK is given a UK code - the Soil Association's is UK5. The number awarded has nothing to do with the stringency of the standards but rather the order in which the government received applications from the certification body.

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.

The Soil Association standards are among some of the highest in the world so do look out for Organic Certification UK5.

What if it's imported?

Each EU country has its own organic certification authority which conforms to EU standards. Within each EU country there may be various certification bodies. As in the UK, each certification body may apply additional specifications on top of the EU standards. EU standards, in turn, are subject to those laid down by the International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movements (IFOAM).

For food imported from outside Europe into the EU, the situation is slightly more complicated, but is still subject to rigorous checks and guarantees. Imported produce must come from countries recognised as applying equivalent standards and inspection procedures or, where national standards do not exist, importers may apply on behalf of specific organic producers. They are then inspected by one of the EU recognised certification bodies.

If in doubt or have question...

Always check for the symbol/number of recognised certification bodies. Where produce is sold loose, proof of certification must be available to consumers. If the retailer cannot prove certification of the produce being sold, then find out who their supplier is and ask them about their certification. More about this is available on our consumer watch page.