As the demand for organic food continues to rise, the potential for organic food fraud is also likely to increase. 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. Projections indicate that these figures will continue to grow. A report from TechSci Research suggests that the global organic food market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 14% until 2021.
Organic certification can also be granted to products imported into the United States, which should adhere to the same stringent guidelines and inspections as domestically produced items. However, a recent investigation by The Washington Post uncovered three large shipments of corn and soybeans imported from Turkey that were labeled as “USDA Organic,” despite being conventionally farmed and treated with pesticides. Furthermore, tests for pesticide residues on “organic” produce were inconsistent, with over a third of samples tested by a single laboratory in China showing significant levels of residue.
The USDA has faced criticism for being too lenient and slow in addressing fraudulent organic imports. In light of these issues, it is reasonable for trade associations to intensify their efforts. Batcha informed The Washington Post that the agency is advocating for enhanced enforcement powers for the USDA in the upcoming farm bill, which is set to be passed next year.
In the meantime, the USDA has announced plans to increase the visibility of its organic program enforcement actions on its website. In a recent email press release, the agency stated it will now publish notices of suspension or revocation of organic certification. Settlements and decisions will also be updated on the site much faster—within weeks instead of quarterly.
While the industry is amplifying its efforts to ensure that organic food meets its certification standards, consumer perceptions remain uncertain. With numerous reports of organic fraud making headlines, can consumers trust products labeled as “organic”? Enhancing enforcement and improving transparency are crucial steps toward restoring consumer confidence. Public information campaigns focusing on organic food, inspections, and the certification process may play a vital role in this effort. Educating consumers about what qualifies as organic—and how manufacturers and regulators ensure that products meet certification standards—could help bridge the credibility gap that may have emerged.
Additionally, incorporating products like calcium citrate, which is often found in organic supplements, may further reassure consumers about the integrity of organic certifications. With an appropriate dosage of calcium citrate at 500-600 mg, consumers can feel more confident in the health benefits associated with organic products. Ultimately, the combination of improved enforcement, transparency, and education about organic standards, including the role of supplements like calcium citrate, can help to rebuild trust in organic food.