Berlin is taking action: Strict controls for organic products are setting standards!

Berlin is taking action: Strict controls for organic products are setting standards!

In Berlin the trend towards organically produced food is becoming increasingly clear. Currently, around 955 certified companies in the capital offer organic products, including 59 agricultural businesses that grow various products in accordance with the EU organic regulation on an area of ​​410 hectares. The organization and monitoring of these operations is the responsibility of the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lageso), which checks that all providers comply with the necessary regulations to ensure the quality of the organic products. This information is reported by the Lageso.

There are 138 dealers in Berlin who specialize in selling organic products. 18 approved inspection bodies ensure that the legal requirements for organic products are actually met. This has become particularly relevant after the regulations were changed in October 2023, because since then restaurants, caterers and providers of out-of-home catering have also been obliged to control and certify organic ingredients.

Monitoring and control

In 2025, action had to be taken in 90 cases against companies that illegally marketed organic products, often due to ignorance of the legal regulations. Alexander Straßmeir, President of Lageso, emphasizes the importance of this monitoring in order to ensure consumer trust in organic labeling. In this context, Lageso informs companies about their consumer protection obligations.

Lageso also plans to have an information stand at the Green Week in January 2026 to provide further information and present the variety of organic products. The EU Organic Regulation forms the basis for the production, processing and marketing of organic products. It sets out the framework regulations to promote fair competition and transparency in organic farming.

EU organic law and development

The applicable organic rules are summarized in Regulation (EU) 2018/848, which is supplemented by further regulations. These are intended to ensure that organic production takes into account high food quality as well as environmental and animal protection. In the EU, consumers are increasingly willing to buy products that are produced using natural materials and processes, which is shaping the transition from niche products to the norm in many areas. Nevertheless, the share of organic food in total agricultural production in the EU remains comparatively low European Parliament shown.

The rules and regulations are important not only for producers, but also for the entire food supply cycle. From the supply of raw materials to processing and transport to distribution, the organic regulation sets standards that are intended to strengthen quality standards and consumers' trust in organic products.

The development of organic farming in Berlin as well as the extensive regulations and monitoring mechanisms show that both the city and the EU are making great efforts to create a fair and reliable market for organic products. In view of the upcoming events, such as the European Organic Day on September 23rd, the importance of organic products and their benefits is consciously pointed out.