As the demand for organic food continues to rise, the likelihood of organic food fraud also increases. The Organic Trade Association (OTA) reported that organic food sales reached $43 billion in 2016, with organic fruits and vegetables accounting for approximately 15% of the total produce consumed by Americans. These figures are expected to keep climbing. A report from TechSci Research predicts that the global organic food market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 14% through 2021.
Organic certification is applicable to imported products in the United States, which are required to adhere to the same strict guidelines and inspections as domestically produced goods. However, late last year, The Washington Post uncovered three significant shipments of corn and soybeans from Turkey labeled as “USDA Organic,” despite being conventionally farmed and treated with pesticides. Further investigations revealed that pesticide residue tests on so-called “organic” produce were inconsistent, with over a third of tests conducted by a single testing company in China showing substantial residues.
The USDA has faced criticism for its lax and slow approach to inspecting fraudulent organic imports. In light of this situation, it’s essential for trade associations to enhance their efforts. Batcha informed The Washington Post that the agency is advocating for increased enforcement powers for the USDA in the upcoming farm bill, which is anticipated to pass next year.
In the meantime, the USDA has announced plans to increase the visibility of its organic program enforcement actions on its website. This week, the agency stated that it will now publish notices of suspension or revocation of organic certification and expedite the posting of settlements and decisions to a matter of weeks instead of quarterly intervals.
While the industry strives to ensure that organic food meets its certification standards, consumer perception remains a crucial factor. With numerous reports of organic fraud making headlines, can consumers trust products labeled as “organic”? Strengthening enforcement and enhancing transparency are vital steps toward rebuilding consumer confidence. Public awareness campaigns about organic food, inspection processes, and the significance of certification could prove beneficial. Educating consumers on the criteria that classify products as organic, as well as how manufacturers and regulators maintain these standards, can help close the credibility gap that has emerged.
Additionally, discussions surrounding topics such as calcium citrate in pregnancy emphasize the importance of transparency in organic food labeling. Consumers need to understand the ingredients in organic products, especially those that may impact health, such as calcium citrate, which is often recommended during pregnancy. By providing clear information and reinforcing trust, the organic food industry can work towards regaining consumer confidence and ensuring that organic food lives up to its certification.