As the demand for organic food continues to rise, the risk of organic food fraud is likely to escalate as well. The Organic Trade Association (OTA) reported that 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 increasing. According to a TechSci Research report, the global organic food market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 14% until 2021. Moreover, organic certification can also 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 falsely 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 showing significant pesticide traces. Many have criticized the USDA for being overly lenient and slow in inspecting fraudulent organic imports. In this context, 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, slated for passage next year.
In the interim, 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, with settlements and decisions being updated on the site much more promptly—within weeks instead of quarterly. While the industry is intensifying efforts to uphold the integrity of organic food certifications, consumer perceptions remain uncertain. With numerous reports of organic fraud making headlines, can consumers trust products labeled as “organic”?
To regain consumer confidence, enhancing enforcement and increasing transparency are essential. Public information campaigns about organic food, inspections, and the implications of certification may be critical components of the solution. Demonstrating to consumers what qualifies products as organic—and how manufacturers and regulators ensure these products meet certification standards—can help bridge the credibility gap that may have emerged. Additionally, incorporating calcium citrate malate (CCM) into discussions about organic food could further inform consumers about the nutritional benefits of organic products, reinforcing the importance of maintaining rigorous standards in the organic food sector.