VLOG — GMO-free poultry production with the “Ohne Gentechnik” seal
VLOG is a German standard for production without genetic engineering, marked with the “Ohne Gentechnik” seal. Animals are fed non-GMO feed and the origin of that feed must be documented across the whole chain. We explain when it’s needed, what it covers and how to get it.
verifiedFrom the team that has organised work on poultry farms for years.
VLOG (Verband Lebensmittel ohne Gentechnik) is a German industry association that runs a standard for food produced without genetic engineering. Products meeting its requirements may carry the “Ohne Gentechnik” (“without genetic engineering”) seal. For a poultry farm this means feeding the flock with non-GMO feed and documenting the origin of that feed at every stage — from the raw-material supplier to the egg or the meat.
Does a poultry farm need VLOG?
VLOG is not required by law — it is a market standard. You need it when you want to sell eggs or poultry meat carrying the “Ohne Gentechnik” seal, most often to German retailers that expect it. Some large German buyers accept only VLOG-certified products. If you do not export to that market and nobody requires the seal, you do not need the certificate.
What the VLOG standard requires
The standard makes sure all feed and its origin are GMO-free and documented.
Non-GMO feed
The flock is fed only with feed free of genetically modified organisms. This also applies to high-risk components such as soybean meal, which is often modified.
Documented feed origin
You must prove where each batch of feed and its components came from — with invoices, specifications and supplier declarations confirming non-GMO status.
Control of the whole chain
GMO-free status must be kept at every link: feed producer, transport and farm. A single non-certified link is enough to break the chain.
Conversion waiting periods
When switching to GMO-free production there are minimum periods of feeding non-GMO feed before eggs or meat may carry the “Ohne Gentechnik” seal.
Segregation and no commingling
Non-GMO feed must be physically separated from conventional feed and protected against accidental commingling in storage, silos and transport.
Certification body audit
An independent audit by an accredited body at certification and every year for surveillance. The outcome decides whether the right to the seal is kept.
VLOG step by step
- 1
Check whether VLOG is needed
Find out whether your buyer — usually a German retailer or packing plant — requires the “Ohne Gentechnik” seal. If you do not plan to sell to that market, the certificate is usually not needed.
- 2
Secure non-GMO feed supply
Find a feed supplier with VLOG certification and make sure they provide non-GMO status declarations for each batch. Feed is the foundation of the whole standard.
- 3
Organise your documentation
Collect invoices, specifications and supplier declarations, describe the feed flow on the farm and secure separation from conventional feed. This is the most labour-intensive stage.
- 4
Choose an accredited certification body
The VLOG certificate is issued by an independent body recognised by VLOG. Choose one from the official list and book a certification audit.
- 5
Pass the certification audit
The auditor checks the feed documentation and practice on site. After a positive result (and closing any non-conformities) you may mark products with the “Ohne Gentechnik” seal.
- 6
Maintain it — surveillance audits
The standard requires annual audits and ongoing record-keeping of feed origin. A missing supplier declaration is the most common cause of trouble at renewal.
Frequently asked questions about VLOG
Must every poultry farm have VLOG?add
No. VLOG is a voluntary market standard, not a legal obligation. You need it when you want to sell eggs or meat with the “Ohne Gentechnik” seal, most often to German retailers. Without such a buyer requirement, the certificate is not needed.
What exactly does the “Ohne Gentechnik” seal mean?add
It is the German label for “without genetic engineering”. For animal products it confirms that the animals were fed non-GMO feed for the required period. It does not mean the animal itself is modified — it is about the feeding and feed control.
Is VLOG the same as the Polish “Bez GMO”?add
They are related but separate standards. VLOG is German and based on the “Ohne Gentechnik” seal; the Polish “Bez GMO” is run by the Polish Chamber of Milk under Polish labelling rules. The idea is similar — non-GMO feed and chain control — but the certificates and target markets differ.
Who requires VLOG from a farm?add
Most often German retailers, egg-packing plants and poultry-meat buyers on the German market. If you sell into that market, the “Ohne Gentechnik” seal is often a condition for the goods to be accepted.
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