How Swetic's members secure the food industry

Locally grown, KRAV-labeled, EU-organic and Fairtrade – there are a variety of different labels on food in our shopping baskets. But what do they mean and who ensures that the requirements for using a label are met?

Standards that are not visible – but decide

In order to deliver their goods to stores that belong to the large grocery chains in Sweden, there are usually requirements for a minimum level of quality, procedures and safety in the production chain from the supplier. This minimum level is specified in so-called standards, that is: manuals and checklists that must be followed and can be ticked off. Examples of these standards are IP Livsmedel and ISO 22000.

Being certified to one of these standards means that work routines and methods linked to food production are controlled and followed so that food safety always comes first. In other words – if you shop in a store that places these requirements on its suppliers, you can be sure that the goods are controlled to maintain a high level of both hygiene and food safety. However, these standards do not result in a label visible to consumers.

What does the product label mean?

As a consumer, you may come into contact with several product labels on the same product. Some of these are so-called third-party certifications, i.e. a label that is checked by an independent certification company. The certification company has thus ensured that the certification requirements are followed, after which a product label may be placed on the product. These certification companies are always independent and are in turn checked by the supervisory authority Swedac. Swedac is checked by global bodies. The certification companies carry out regular checks, both announced and unannounced, to ensure that the requirements are followed and the product label is valid.

There are also labels that do not require verification by an independent certification company in order to be used. In these cases, it is instead common for the company behind the product to submit an application in which they explain how the requirements for the label are met, after which approval for the label can be granted. Even if an independent verification of compliance is not made, these labels can give the consumer a signal of added value for the product.

Third-party certified accredited labels:

MSC – The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is a standard for sustainable fishing, throughout the supply chain. The MSC standards meet international guidelines for best practice in certification and eco-labelling. These standards are developed through consultation with the fishing industry, researchers, environmental organisations and experts. Commercial fishermen seeking MSC certification are assessed on the following areas: sustainable fish stocks, minimising environmental impact and good fisheries management.

REQUIREMENTS – KRAV labeling on a product means that in addition to meeting the EU regulation for organic production, it also meets KRAV's rules regarding animal welfare, environment and health, climate and better working conditions. Food with the KRAV label is always organically produced, without unnatural chemical pesticides and without artificial fertilizers. KRAV's rules also cover areas such as slaughter, restaurants and fishing. To clarify KRAV's qualities, the expression KRAV-organic is sometimes used.

Swedish Seal – The Swedish Seal is the eco-label for Swedish food and flowers. Only products that meet the strict requirements and are certified according to the IP Seal or optional level of the standard are allowed to use the label. In order to label products or market a business with the Swedish Seal label, the products must come from an IP Seal-certified farm or animal breeder.

Non-accredited food labels:

Genuine item – The Äkta vara label is designed to help consumers find foods without additives or unnatural ingredients through labeling. The label covers processed products and after applying to use the label, an agreement is signed between Äkta vara Sweden and the applicant company for each individual product.

Fairtrade – Fairtrade is an international certification of raw materials grown in countries with widespread poverty. The certification means that the product is produced with due regard to social, economic and environmental requirements. When a raw material producer applies for Fairtrade certification, Flocert carries out an inspection to see if the criteria are met. They interview growers or employees and examine the organization. If the organization is approved, it also accepts that Flocert carries out ongoing inspections to ensure that the criteria are met and that the agreed improvements are implemented. Flocert is an independent body responsible for the control and certification of plantations and cooperatives. Flocert was founded by Fairtrade International.

From Sweden – The From Sweden label is an origin label that is intended to help consumers identify products with raw materials and production in Sweden. There are two clarifying labels: Meat from Sweden, which is used on meat and charcuterie, and Milk from Sweden, which is used on dairy products and cheese. The three labels have the same criteria to live up to. All cultivation, processing and packaging have been done in Sweden, all animals are born and raised in Sweden, and products with more ingredients must have exclusively Swedish raw materials or at least 75% Swedish raw materials.

This was a selection of certifications and food labels. Would you like to know more about product labels, standards or food controls? Visit the website of the Swedish Food Agency, the Swedish Consumer Agency or the respective standard owner.

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