Securing the seal
The "Ohne GenTechnik" seal offers orientation and the certainty that no genetically modified components are contained in the labelled food up to the threshold value of 0.1% per ingredient. In addition, genetically modified fodder crops (not labelled as genetically modified under EU law) have also been avoided in animal feed within strict deadlines. The feeding conversion periods are defined in the German EC Genetic Engineering Implementation Act (EGGenTDurchfG).
The seal is a registered word/figurative mark and may only be used by companies that comply with the criteria of the EGGenTDurchfG and can credibly demonstrate this through appropriate evidence in the form of independent certification. The seal was created in 2010 by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). The VLOG is now the owner of the label rights and is exclusively responsible for licensing and administrating the seal.
Benefits of the "Ohne Gentechnik" labelling
The EU labelling regulation for genetically modified food and feed (VO (EG) No. 1829/2003 and 1830/2003) provides for a note in the list of ingredients if the product was produced from genetically modified organisms (e.g. a vegetable oil produced from genetically modified soybeans). Animal products such as milk, eggs and meat are exempt from labelling, even if the animals have been fed genetically modified plants. A change in EU legislation is currently not politically enforceable.
The voluntary "Ohne Gentechnik" labelling is a German regulation. It offers companies that also use genetically unmodified plants in animal feed the possibility to advertise food with the corresponding label or notice. Consumers can promote GMO-free agriculture by buying food labelled in this way.