Quality marks on meat packaging are official labels that indicate the meat meets certain standards in terms of animal welfare, environment, or quality. These quality marks are issued by independent organizations that monitor whether producers comply with the established requirements. You can find them as logos or stamps on the packaging, such as the Better Life quality mark with stars, the green EKO label for organic meat, or designations for free-range and outdoor access.
What Are Quality Marks on Meat Actually?
Quality marks on meat are certifications that show the product meets specific standards. They emerged from consumers’ need to know more about the origin and production methods of their food. These labels help you make conscious choices by summarizing complex information about production processes into recognizable logos.
There are two main categories of quality marks: mandatory and voluntary. Mandatory quality marks are required for all producers, such as the oval EU stamp indicating that the meat meets European food safety standards. Voluntary quality marks go beyond the mandatory minimum standards and focus on aspects such as animal welfare, environmental friendliness, or specific production methods.
Independent control bodies play an important role in ensuring reliability. Organizations such as Skal Biocontrole for organic products or the Animal Protection Society for the Better Life quality mark conduct regular inspections. They check not only the final products but the entire production process from birth to slaughter.
Which Quality Marks Do You Encounter Most Often on Meat Packaging?
In Dutch supermarkets and butcher shops, you encounter various quality marks, each with its own meaning. The Better Life quality mark from the Animal Protection Society is probably the best known, with one, two, or three stars indicating the level of animal welfare.
With one star, animals have more space than legally required and access to enrichment materials. Two stars means animals can also go outside, while three stars stands for organic production with the highest welfare requirements. The organic EKO quality mark guarantees that animals receive organic feed without artificial fertilizers or chemical pesticides, and that they have free range.
Other common designations are:
- Free-range: chickens have free outdoor access during the day
- Outdoor access: animals can go outside whenever they want
- Grass-fed: cattle have lived on grass for at least two-thirds of their lives
- Label Rouge: French quality mark for poultry with strict requirements for breed, nutrition, and living conditions
How Do You Recognize Reliable Quality Marks on Meat?
Distinguishing genuine quality marks from marketing claims requires a critical eye. Official quality marks always have a certification number and refer to the controlling authority. You usually find this information in small print next to the logo.
Be alert to vague terms without official quality marks, such as ‘natural’, ‘pure’, ‘artisanal’, or ‘from the farm’. These terms are not legally protected and can be used by anyone without control. Also, terms like ‘animal-friendly’ or ‘prepared with care’ say little about actual production conditions without a quality mark.
For more information about specific quality marks, you can visit the websites of the issuing organizations. The Animal Protection Society, for example, has an extensive database with all Better Life producers. The Milieu Centraal website also offers a handy overview of all recognized quality marks in the Netherlands.
What Is the Difference Between Organic and Better Life Quality Marks?
Although both quality marks focus on better conditions for animals, they differ significantly in approach and requirements. The organic EKO quality mark sets strict requirements for the entire production system, while the Better Life quality mark specifically focuses on animal welfare with different levels.
| Aspect | Organic (EKO) | Better Life 1 Star | Better Life 2 Stars | Better Life 3 Stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nutrition | 100% organic feed | No specific requirements | No specific requirements | 100% organic feed |
| Antibiotics | Only when sick, double waiting time | According to legal standards | According to legal standards | Only when sick, double waiting time |
| Outdoor Space | Mandatory free range | Not mandatory | Mandatory covered outdoor access | Mandatory free range |
| Living Space | Maximum number of animals per mยฒ | More than legal minimum | More spacious than 1 star | Equal to organic |
Transport and slaughter conditions also differ. With organic meat, animals may be transported for a maximum of 8 hours, while with Better Life this depends on the number of stars. Three-star Better Life meets all organic requirements, making it practically equivalent to the EKO quality mark.
Why Does Vlees & Co Pay Attention to Quality Marks When Selecting Meat?
For premium steakhouses like us, quality marks form an important part of the selection process for premium meat. We use them as a starting point for our quality assessment, but go much further in our selection criteria. Transparency and traceability are central to us, allowing us to tell exactly which farm each piece of meat comes from.
Quality marks help us pre-select suppliers who share our values. We look not only at animal welfare, but also at the impact on taste and texture. Grass-fed beef, for example, has a different flavor structure than grain-fed meat, which we incorporate into our menu composition.
Our meat sommeliers can tell you exactly which quality marks the meat on your plate has and what this means for the taste experience. We gladly share this knowledge because we believe conscious choices lead to greater appreciation for the product. For more information about how we select our premium meat, read everything in our comprehensive guide to premium meat.
Understanding quality marks on meat packaging helps you make more conscious choices. Whether you choose organic, Better Life, or another quality mark, the most important thing is that you know what the labels mean. Take time to look at the packaging, ask questions to your butcher, and enjoy your piece of meat with peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I as a consumer check if a quality mark on meat is genuine?
Always check the certification number next to the logo and look up the quality mark via the official website of the issuing organization. Genuine quality marks have a traceable code and refer to a recognized control authority such as Skal Biocontrole or the Animal Protection Society. When in doubt, you can contact the organization behind the quality mark for verification.
Why is meat with quality marks often more expensive and is the extra cost worth it?
The higher price comes from stricter production requirements, more space per animal, organic feed, and regular inspections that all bring costs. Whether it's worth the extra cost depends on your personal values: do you gladly pay extra for better animal welfare, more environmentally friendly production, or superior taste? Many consumers experience that meat with three-star Better Life or EKO quality mark is more tender and has more flavor due to natural growth.
Can I also ask my local butcher for meat with specific quality marks?
Absolutely! Many butchers nowadays work with certified suppliers and can order meat with quality marks. Feel free to ask about the origin of the meat and which quality marks are available. A good butcher can also advise you about alternatives, such as meat from local farmers who may not have an official quality mark but do work according to comparable principles.
Which quality marks should I choose if I care mainly about animal welfare versus environment?
For maximum animal welfare, choose Better Life 3 stars or organic (EKO), where animals have free range and can display natural behavior. For environmentally conscious choices, organic is the best option due to the ban on artificial fertilizers and chemical pesticides. The 'On the way to PlanetProof' quality mark combines both aspects and sets requirements for both animal welfare and environmental impact.
How do I know which quality mark best fits my budget and values?
Start by determining your priorities: is animal welfare, environment, or quality most important? Better Life 1 star is an accessible entry with basic improved animal welfare at a small extra cost. For a middle ground, 2 stars offers outdoor access for animals. If you want the best of both worlds, choose 3 stars or organic, but expect 50-100% higher prices. Also consider eating meat less often but then of better quality.
Are there apps or websites that can help me recognize quality marks while shopping?
Yes, the 'Keurmerkenwijzer' app from Milieu Centraal is ideal for quickly checking quality marks while shopping. The website beterleven.dierenbescherming.nl also has a product finder where you can look up which products have the Better Life quality mark. For organic products, you can go to skal.nl for a complete overview of certified companies and products.