The European Commission considers that the control system for organic products in the EU is working “reasonably well” and that no legislative changes are necessary at this stage, despite the occasional presence of residues of unauthorised substances, according to a report published on Tuesday 31 March pursuant to the Organic Regulation in force since 2022 (see EUROPE 13795/15).
Based on data from the Member States and a study by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the Commission stresses that pesticide residues are much less frequent in organic products than in conventional products. In 2023, 80% of organic samples analysed in the EU contained no quantifiable residues and less than 1% exceeded the maximum authorised limits.
The report assesses the implementation of Article 29 of the Organic Regulation, which requires the immediate opening of an official investigation as soon as a prohibited substance is detected in an organic or in-conversion product. In the majority of Member States, these investigations are launched quickly - sometimes the same day - and last on average between 20 and 30 days, although some complex cases can take up to three months.
According to the consolidated results, almost two-thirds of contamination is detected at the production stage. The main cause identified was pesticide drift from neighbouring conventional crops (around a quarter of cases). In almost 16% of cases, the operator used a prohibited substance, and in as similar proportion of cases, the mandatory precautionary measures were not complied with. In around 15% of cases, the origin of the contamination could not be established.
In accordance with European rules, products under investigation are in principle suspended from being marketed as organic until the investigations have been concluded. When the investigation has a finding of intentional use or of gross negligence, the product is systematically downgraded.
Four Member States - Belgium, Italy, Romania and Slovenia - continue to apply specific national thresholds for certain banned substances, while respecting the principle of the free movement of organic products within the EU.
However, the Commission recognises that difficulties remain: the length and complexity of investigations, costs for operators, differences in approach between national authorities and the impact on fresh products with a short shelf life. It says it is ready to strengthen harmonisation through dialogue, training and the sharing of best practice.
In conclusion, the Commission considers that the current framework offers a high level of assurance for consumers and the integrity of the organic label in the European Union, and that no revision of the rules is justified at this early stage of their application.
Link to the report: https://aeur.eu/f/lep (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)