Danish Organics Label

The Red Ø – the Danish organic label.

A lady in a green sweater picking out organic Danish produce from a supermarket freezer.

The success of organic farming, production and consumption in Denmark can largely be attributed to the fact that the Danes were the first in the world to introduce a state controlled organic label in 1990. This is the label that more than 98 pct. of Danes recognize as The Red Ø.

The Ø-label is the consumers' guarantee that organic products are produced responsibly under organic legislation. The Danish control system is proof of a unique cooperation between the farmers and companies, that produce and process organic products, and the state, which ensures control and approval. The governmental control has been a crucial success factor in organic consumption.

Today, organic products that bear the red Ø-label are highly respected. This makes the Ø-label one of the strongest brands in Denmark.

Companies that produce organic products can voluntarily place the label on their goods when they are produced under organic control in Denmark.

There are two different red Ø-labels. One label is typically found on individual organic products and their packaging. In this case, the graphic red Ø-label is accompanied by the text: "State-controlled organic". The other red Ø-label is called the "marketing label" and is typically used in grocery stores as a sign or shelf edge. This label does not have accompanying text.

Strict regulations

In both Denmark and the countries, we import organic products from, there is a long list of strict regulations, that companies need to comply with if they process, pack, label or import organic products. For example, they must ensure that the organic products are not in contact with non-organic products. If a company disregards this regulation, it can be fined, or even lose its entitlement for the distribution of organic products.

Inspection from farm to fork

Organic production takes the greatest possible care of nature, the environment and animal welfare all the way from farm to fork. The Danish red Ø-label as well as EU’s green organic logo are your guarantee for organic quality. The Ø-label also guarantees, that the regulation for organic production has been complied with.

Only authorities under the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries carry out inspection under the government rules for organic production. The Danish AgriFish Agency inspects the primary production, while the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration inspects food companies. At least once a year, organic producers have inspection visits.

Versions of the Danish organic culinary label on signs to be displayed at restaurants.

The Organic Cuisine Label – a guide to organic eateries

The Organic Cuisine Label is a free state-controlled Danish labelling scheme for eateries. The Organic Cuisine Label shows the total share (in %) of organic raw ingredients and beverages used in preparing the entire menu. Both public and private eateries can be certified under the Organic Cuisine Label scheme.

The Organic Cuisine Label is available in three versions; Gold (90-100 pct. organics), Silver (60-90 pct. organics) and Bronze (30-60 pct. organics).

Denmark has a long tradition of having a public food control system - from “farm to fork”. This is essential to the high confidence that consumers have in the organic control system and organic products.

A popular and well-known organic label

Displayed by 3.500 Danish eateries like cafés, restaurants and public kitchens, the Organic Cuisine Label is becoming increasingly popular, and this is only expected to increase in the coming years.

The positive development is ascribable, in part, to the ever-higher food quality standards expected by the Danes. They want pure ingredients produced with due consideration for the natural world, the environment and the animals.

It is not only professional kitchens in Denmark that have developed a taste for the Organic Cuisine Label. After several years of preparation, Germany is ready to implement the Danish dining labeling scheme, making it easier for German consumers to find eateries that offer organic food.

Visit Danish Veterinary and Food Administration: Organic Food, for more information:

https://en.foedevarestyrelsen.dk/food/labelling-and-marketing-of-food/organic-food