For a simple topping at a conference breakfast, raisins labelled organic, with an ingredients list and certification code, are a practical choice; Albert Heijn and Jumbo provide this information for the raisins reviewed. For more variety, dried organic pineapple may be suitable, but Albert Heijn’s product information lists 67 g of total sugars per 100 g and warns that traces of peanuts and nuts may be present. So, no added sugar does not mean sugar-free or safe for people with allergies.
You want to check organic claims against product labels, certification codes and ingredients. The European Commission explains that the EU organic logo is reserved for products certified as organic by an authorised control body.
You check each product’s ingredients and allergen warnings, and make sure guests can get clear information at the buffet. The NVWA sets out the requirements for providing allergen information when serving food to consumers.
You compare pack sizes using the same planned quantity and follow the storage instructions for each product. Product information from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS shows that pack sizes and storage advice can vary from one product to another.
Start by checking organic product information and allergens, then compare ingredients, portions and pack sizes on a like-for-like basis.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Verifiably organic | Check the organic label, ingredients and certification code in the product information. | If I need to verify the organic origin of food for my conference breakfast, I check the label and code. Around 25% of consumers prioritise being able to verify this. |
| Allergens and buffet information | Read the ingredients and warnings, and decide how guests can access allergen information. | When serving guests with allergies, I want product-specific information to be available, including when fruit is taken out of its packaging and served in a bowl. Around 25% of consumers prioritise allergen management. |
| Ingredients and sugars | Compare the ingredients list and total sugars per 100 g; treat ‘no added sugar’ separately from total sugars. | If I want to tailor the breakfast to the quantity being served, I look at both the ingredients and total sugars. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this information. |
| Portions and storage | Compare pack sizes and use one planned weight; follow the storage advice for each product. | For my purchasing plan, I want to know how many packs will cover the planned portions and how to store opened stock. Around 25% of consumers prioritise portion costs and practical considerations. |
AH Biologisch Ananas lists only dried pineapple as an ingredient, but also warns that traces of peanuts and nuts may be present.
Check both the ingredients and allergen warnings for each product. Make sure guests can find or ask for allergen information at the buffet, and serve the food in line with your food safety plan.
AH Biologisch Ananas gedroogd & ongezoet contains no added sugar, but the product information still lists 67 g of total sugars per 100 g.
Compare total sugars using the same quantity and decide on the planned portion; don’t judge the sugar content by the word ‘unsweetened’ alone.
The AH and Jumbo raisins reviewed come in 250 g packs; the AH pineapple pack reviewed contains 80 g. That means comparing only the price per pack is not like-for-like.
Work out the cost using the same planned quantity and calculate how many packs you’ll need.
The European Commission excludes mass catering, including restaurants, from using the EU organic logo for the catering service. This is separate from the organic labelling of individual ingredients.
Keep product claims separate from claims about the catering service, and don’t use the EU organic logo as a certification mark for the entire catering offer.
The AH products reviewed include raisins and dried pineapple as separate organic fruit options.
Jumbo Zongedroogde Sultana Rozijnen Biologisch is one of the options reviewed for a separate serving of raisins.
BIO+ Sultana raisins is a product line reviewed at PLUS for anyone looking for organic raisins.
Lidl lists Belbake Biologische rozijnen as a product line within the specified supermarket chains.
These products suit a choice of organic raisins served as a separate topping at a conference breakfast.
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The individual boxes may suit a buffet where you want to portion food by pack.
The product information lists 10 boxes of 14 g and says to store in a cool, dry, dark place. The product is labelled as baby food for children aged 12 months and over; the description recommends supervision while eating and says it is not suitable for children with swallowing difficulties.
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A good fit if you’re looking for organic sultana raisins to top breakfast cereal.
The product information lists a 250 g pack and raisins and sunflower oil from organic sources. According to the description, a stem or stone may remain despite checks; store in a cool, dry place.
No, not as a certification mark for the catering service: the European Commission excludes mass catering, such as restaurants, from using the EU organic logo. This is different from the organic labelling of individual ingredients.
Make sure guests can get information about any regulated allergens present. The NVWA explains that, for non-prepacked products, you can provide information verbally if there is a visible notice telling guests they can ask for it and the information is available before purchase. Use the latest product information, including any warnings that traces of peanuts or nuts may be present.
No, the organic label alone does not mean a product is free from allergens. Check the ingredients and allergen information for each product; AH Biologisch Ananas, for example, warns that traces of peanuts and nuts may be present.
Follow the advice for the specific product. Jumbo and BIO+ at PLUS recommend storing their products in a cool, dry, dark place. AH Biologisch Ananas has a limited shelf life once opened; follow the product instructions rather than assuming a storage period.
No, use your own planned quantity for your purchasing calculations so you can compare products on the same basis. The portions listed on product pages are label information, not a catering standard.
The business must use an HACCP food safety plan for the food activities concerned. According to the NVWA, an appropriate, approved hygiene code can meet this requirement; you can also use your own plan if it complies with the legal requirements.
