The word 'organic' on a food label in Australia does not, by itself, guarantee anything. There is no mandatory Australian domestic standard that restricts who can use the word 'organic' on a product sold domestically. This means a product can claim to be 'organic' without any third-party verification. The only way for a consumer to know that a product genuinely meets organic standards is to look for third-party certification, specifically the Australian Certified Organic (ACO) Bud logo or equivalent certification from a DAFF-accredited certification body.
This article explains what certified organic actually means, how the Australian certification system works, and why it matters for the quality and integrity of the food you buy.
The Australian Certification System
Australia has six certification bodies accredited by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). The largest and most recognised is ACO Certification Ltd, which administers the Australian Certified Organic Standard (ACOS). The ACOS is aligned with the National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce but provides additional detail in certain areas.
For a product to carry the ACO Bud logo, every operator in the supply chain must be independently certified: the farm, the processor, the manufacturer, the packager, and the distributor. Each is audited at least annually, with spot checks between audits. The standard covers everything from soil management and animal welfare to processing methods and labelling requirements.
What Certified Organic Prohibits
A product certified under the ACOS cannot contain or have been produced using synthetic chemicals or fertilisers, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), ionising radiation, growth hormones or antibiotics in animals, or synthetic food additives, colours, or preservatives. (Australian Organic Limited, ACOS 2023.) All ingredients must be traceable to their certified organic source.
What This Means for BBBB Products
Every Byron Bay Bone Broth product carries ACO certification. Our chicken bones come from Inglewood Organic Farm, a certified organic, pasture-raised operation in NSW. Our beef bones come from certified organic, pasture-raised Australian cattle. Our Organic Chicken Liver Capsules are made from the same certified organic chickens used in our broth production.
This certification is not a marketing tool for us. It is a verified standard that governs how our animals are raised, what our ingredients contain, and how our products are made. The annual audits, supply chain traceability, and third-party verification mean that when you see the Bud logo on a BBBB product, it represents a genuine commitment to organic integrity, not just a label.
How to Read an Organic Label
When shopping for organic products in Australia, look for the Bud logo or the certification number (e.g., ACO 12345P) on the packaging. Products labelled 'certified organic' must contain 95 to 100% certified organic ingredients. Products labelled 'made with certified organic ingredients' contain 70 to 95% certified organic content. Products with less than 70% organic content cannot make any certification claims on the label. (ACO Certification Ltd, 2023.)
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Every BBBB product is Australian Certified Organic. No exceptions. No shortcuts. Shop the range. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is organic food regulated in Australia?
For export, yes. For domestic sale, the word 'organic' is not legally restricted. Any product can claim to be organic without certification. The only reliable indicator is third-party certification from a DAFF-accredited body like ACO Certification Ltd. Look for the Bud logo.
What does ACO certified mean?
ACO (Australian Certified Organic) certification means every operator in the supply chain has been independently audited against the Australian Certified Organic Standard. The product is verified to be free of synthetic chemicals, GMOs, growth hormones, and artificial additives, with full traceability.
Is Byron Bay Bone Broth certified organic?
Yes. Every BBBB product carries ACO certification. Our bones come from certified organic, pasture-raised Australian farms. Our processing is certified. The entire supply chain is audited and traceable.
How can I tell if a product is genuinely organic?
Look for the ACO Bud logo or a certification number from a DAFF-accredited certification body on the packaging. If the product only says 'organic' without a certification logo or number, there is no independent verification.
Does certified organic mean better nutrition?
Certified organic guarantees the absence of synthetic chemicals, hormones, and GMOs, and ensures the animals are pasture-raised. Whether this translates to measurably higher nutrient content varies by study, but the starting material quality, particularly for bone broth and organ meats, is fundamentally different from conventionally farmed alternatives.
References
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Australian Organic Limited. Australian Certified Organic Standard 2023. austorganic.com.
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Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Organic and biodynamic produce. agriculture.gov.au. Accessed: July 2026.
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Melrose Health. Australian Certified Organic: What Does It Mean? melrosehealth.com.au. 2022.
