Eating out

Unlike the legislation that covers organic production and processing, restaurants and other caterers do not have to be certified in the same way.
So when you see something on a menu labelled as organic you want to be reassured that it is worth the extra money – so how can you tell? The best thing to do is to ask for proof. Depending on the circumstances, proof can take 2 forms...

1. If the restaurant doesn't have certification, then they must be able to show you the invoice or a similar document that proves that the food they are claiming as organic really is.

The menu may look like this:



We would encourage you to ask for proof.

2. If the restaurant offers a particular menu item which is certified organic then menu may look like this:



3. If all the dishes that the restaurants serves are organic, the menu may look like this:

Example of a 100% organic operation menu:



The proof you should look for...

1. On the wall of the restaurant, the current organic certificate must be displayed. Make sure that it is in date – certificates last for one year.

2. The 'nature and scope policy' of the restaurant must also be on display. This tells you how far the organic certification goes, for example:

• If all the dishes are certified as organic or only some items
• If the food in the restaurant is organic but in the brassiere it isn't

The restaurant may also display their purchasing policy. This tells you what the restaurant prioritises when buying ingredients, for example:

• What happens if a particular ingredient normally sourced as organic is not available (change recipe or withdraw that item)
• Fish or wild game priority, i.e. 'we do not buy fish from over fished seas or environmentally damaging methods'
• We try and buy fair trade ingredients wherever possible

A great way to find organic restaurants and cafes in your local area is to look at the online Organic Directory and select 'Restaurants/Cafes/Caterers' under category. Alternatively, you can download a list of companies that we certify. Please note that this list includes caterers who may not necessarily have a restaurant that you can visit.
» Download the list of restaurants and catering companies certified by the Soil Association