Fewer pesticide residues and fewer additives
KRAV-labelled fruits, vegetables and other plant-based products generally contain fewer and lower levels of pesticide residues than conventionally produced products.
At the same time, various environmental contaminants are present in soil, air and water and may also occur in very small amounts in organically produced food.
KRAV permits fewer food additives than are allowed under general food legislation. While hundreds of additives are approved for use within the EU, the number permitted in KRAV-certified food is significantly lower. Artificial colourings and flavourings are not allowed.
KRAV-certified production is subject to standards that include requirements for crop rotation, grazing for ruminants, and a prohibition on the use of synthetic chemical pesticides. Several of these requirements can help create conditions that support biodiversity. Biodiversity is important for functioning ecosystems and for nature’s ability to adapt to change over time.
KRAV also includes requirements for nutrient management aimed at reducing the risk of nitrogen and phosphorus losses from agriculture. The purpose is to reduce the impact of farming on lakes, rivers and marine environments.
Sources:
Swedish Food Agency (Livsmedelsverket) – Pesticide residues
Swedish Food Agency (Livsmedelsverket) report about pesticide residues 2022–2023
More species on organic farms
On average, organically managed farms host more species of plants, insects and other organisms than conventionally managed farms. A frequently cited research review found that species richness is, on average, around 30-50% higher on organic farms, depending on the species group and location.
Varied crop rotations, a greater presence of flowering plants, and the absence of synthetic chemical pesticides are examples of factors that research has linked to higher species richness in agricultural landscapes. On farms with grazing animals, pastures may also provide habitats for a variety of plant and animal species.
Organic farms generally host more pollinating insects, such as bees and bumblebees, than conventional farms. Research shows that organic farming systems can, in many cases, support pollinators through a greater availability of flowering plants and the absence of synthetic chemical pesticides.
Sources:
Land-use intensity and the effects of organic farming on biodiversity – Tuck m.fl. (2014)
Swedish agriculture university (SLU)
IPBES – assessment report on pollinators, pollination and food production
Synthetic chemical pesticides can affect organisms in the environment. Some substances have been classified as particularly harmful to aquatic life, while others have been identified as endocrine disruptors. Pesticide residues are also found in Swedish aquatic environments and are sometimes detected in raw water used for drinking water production.
When you choose KRAV-labelled food, you can be sure that the ingredients have been produced in accordance with KRAV standards, which prohibit the use of synthetic chemical pesticides.
Sources:
Swedish Chemicals Agency (Kemikalieinspektionen)
Swedish Food Agency (Livsmedelsverket)
KRAV does not allow GMOs
KRAV-certified production does not permit the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This prohibition applies to both Swedish and imported KRAV-certified products.
Within the European Union, GMOs are regulated under specific legislation, and each GMO product must be approved before it can be used or marketed. KRAV has chosen not to permit GMOs in certified production.
KRAV does not allow nanomaterials
As a precautionary measure, KRAV does not permit intentionally produced nanomaterials in certified food products or in certain materials that come into contact with them.
This approach reflects the fact that knowledge of the effects of some nanomaterials on human health and the environment is still limited.
Requirements for packaging
KRAV-certified companies must choose packaging with consideration for environmental and health aspects. For example, KRAV includes rules that restrict the use of certain substances in packaging materials, including Bisphenol A (BPA).
KRAV also requires certified companies to work systematically with environmental issues and to be able to demonstrate how they are working to reduce their environmental impact.
Compliance with the standards is verified through independent certification bodies. As a consumer, you can therefore trust that KRAV-labelled products are subject to both clear requirements and regular independent inspections.