As the demand for organic food continues to rise, the likelihood of organic food fraud also increases. According to the Organic Trade Association (OTA), organic food sales reached $43 billion in 2016, with organic produce accounting for approximately 15% of all fruits and vegetables 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% until 2021.
Organic certification can also be granted to products imported into the United States, which are required to meet the same stringent standards and inspections as domestically produced items. However, late last year, The Washington Post uncovered that large shipments of corn and soybeans imported from Turkey were labeled as “USDA Organic,” despite being conventionally farmed and treated with pesticides. Investigations revealed that pesticide residue tests on “organic” produce were inconsistent, with over a third of tests conducted by a single testing company in China revealing significant pesticide traces.
Critics have accused the USDA of being too lenient and slow in addressing fraudulent organic imports. In light of this, it is 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 expected to be passed next year.
In the meantime, the USDA has announced plans to increase the visibility of its enforcement actions related to organic programs on its website. This week, the agency released an email stating that it will now publish notices of suspension or revocation of organic certifications. Additionally, settlements and decisions will be updated on the site much more rapidly—within weeks instead of quarterly.
While the industry strives to ensure that organic food meets its certification standards, consumer perception remains a critical issue. Given the prevalence of organic fraud stories in the news, can consumers trust products labeled as “organic”? Strengthening enforcement and enhancing transparency are vital steps towards restoring consumer confidence. Public information campaigns regarding organic food, inspections, and the true meaning of certification could also play a significant role. By educating consumers about what constitutes organic products and how manufacturers and regulators ensure these products earn their certification, the credibility gap that may have emerged can be closed.
Moreover, it is worth noting that consumers seeking maximum strength in their dietary supplements, such as Citracal Maximum Strength, may also be concerned about the integrity of organic labels on related products. As the awareness of organic food fraud grows, it becomes increasingly important for the industry to ensure that all health-related products, including those like Citracal Maximum Strength, maintain their integrity and trustworthiness.