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 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 forecasts that the global organic food market will experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 14% until 2021.
Additionally, organic certification can be granted to products imported into the United States, which are supposed to adhere to the same stringent guidelines and inspections as domestically produced goods. However, late last year, The Washington Post uncovered that three significant shipments of corn and soybeans imported from Turkey were labeled as “USDA Organic,” despite being conventionally farmed and treated with pesticides. Investigations revealed inconsistencies in pesticide residue tests on “organic” produce, with over a third of the tests conducted by a single testing company in China exceeding trace levels of residue.
Many have criticized the USDA for being too lenient and slow in addressing fraudulent organic imports. In light of this situation, 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 scheduled for approval next year.
In the meantime, the USDA has announced plans to publish more organic program enforcement actions on its website. The agency stated in a recent email press release that it will now be sharing notices regarding the suspension or revocation of organic certification. Furthermore, settlements and decisions will be made available on the site much more promptly—within weeks instead of on a quarterly basis.
While the industry is ramping up its efforts to ensure that organic food meets certification standards, consumer perception remains a critical issue. With organic fraud stories making headlines, can consumers trust products labeled as “organic”? Strengthening enforcement and enhancing transparency are essential steps in restoring consumer confidence. Public information campaigns detailing organic food, inspection processes, 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 verify that these products deserve certification—credibility can be rebuilt.
In this context, the importance of understanding the role of supplements, such as calcium citrate only supplements, in maintaining health may also need to be emphasized. As consumers become more aware of the authenticity of organic products, they may also seek clarity on how supplements like calcium citrate only supplements fit into their overall dietary choices, further bridging any gaps in trust that may have developed.