The European Council has given its final approval for a new EU law aimed at harmonizing the labeling regulations for organic pet food with those governing organic food intended for human consumption. This significant development is poised to simplify the process for pet owners in Europe to make informed choices about organic pet food products while creating opportunities for organic farmers.
The new regulation marks a crucial step in ensuring pet owners have easier access to organic food options for their beloved companions. It also paves the way for organic producers to venture into the pet food market. Acting Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food of Spain, Luis Planas Puchades, underscored the importance of these updated rules, stating, “Pets are an important part of our lives and our families. With these new and updated rules, it will be easier for pet owners to buy organic food for their pets. At the same time, the regulation will make it easier for producers to enter the organic pet food market and will improve certainty for EU consumers.”
Key provisions of the new regulation include the requirement that pet food can bear the EU organic production logo if a minimum of 95% of its agricultural ingredients are organic. This aligns the standards for organic pet food with those for organic food intended for human consumption, reaffirming the European Union’s commitment to maintaining high organic product standards.
Moreover, the regulation introduces measures to enhance transparency and facilitate consumer choice. It ensures that consumers can readily identify organic ingredients in the pet food they purchase and mandates the use of the EU organic production logo on prepackaged organic pet food products.
The adoption of these updated labeling rules for organic pet food marks a significant milestone in promoting transparency and choice for European consumers while offering new opportunities for organic producers in the pet food sector.
