As the demand for organic food continues to rise, the likelihood of organic food fraud may also increase. According to the Organic Trade Association (OTA), sales of organic food reached $43 billion in 2016, with organic fruits and vegetables comprising approximately 15% of the total produce consumed by Americans. These figures are expected to keep climbing. A report by TechSci Research forecasts that the global organic food market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 14% until 2021.
Importantly, organic certification can also be granted to products brought into the United States, which should adhere to the same stringent guidelines and inspections as domestically produced items. However, late last year, The Washington Post uncovered three significant shipments of corn and soybeans imported from Turkey that were labeled as “USDA Organic,” despite being conventionally farmed and treated with pesticides. Investigative reporters found that pesticide residue tests on “organic” produce were inconsistent, with over a third of samples tested by a single laboratory in China revealing more than trace amounts of residue.
Many critics have accused the USDA of being too lenient and slow in addressing fraudulent organic imports. In light of this, it is reasonable for a trade association to enhance its 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 expected to be passed next year. Meanwhile, the USDA announced plans to publish more information about organic program enforcement actions on its website. In a recent email press release, the agency stated that it will now share notices regarding the suspension or revocation of organic certifications. Additionally, settlements and decisions will be updated on the site much more swiftly—within weeks rather than quarterly.
While the industry is intensifying its efforts to ensure the integrity of organic food, consumer perceptions remain a different matter. With stories of organic fraud making headlines, can consumers trust products labeled as “organic”? Strengthening enforcement and enhancing transparency are crucial steps toward restoring consumer confidence. Public information campaigns focused on organic food, inspections, and the meaning of certification could also play a vital role. By educating consumers about what qualifies products as organic—and how manufacturers and regulators work to maintain those standards—trust can be rebuilt.
In the midst of these developments, it is worth noting that products like Citracal Plus D3, which are marketed as organic supplements, may also be affected by consumer skepticism. To regain confidence in such products, the industry must ensure that they meet the same rigorous standards that consumers expect from organic food. By taking these steps, the credibility gap surrounding organic products can be effectively bridged.