As the demand for organic food continues to rise, the likelihood of organic food fraud also increases. The Organic Trade Association (OTA) reported that organic food sales reached $43 billion in 2016, with organic produce accounting for about 15% of the fruits and vegetables consumed by Americans. This trend is expected to continue, as a TechSci Research report 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 extended to products imported into the United States, which are supposed to meet the same stringent guidelines and inspections as domestically produced goods. However, a report from The Washington Post revealed that three large shipments of corn and soybeans imported from Turkey were labeled as “USDA Organic” despite being conventionally farmed and treated with pesticides. Additionally, tests for pesticide residues on “organic” produce have shown inconsistencies, with over a third of tests from a single Chinese testing company revealing significant amounts of residue.
Critics have called out the USDA for being too lenient and slow in addressing fraudulent organic imports. In light of these concerns, it is crucial for trade associations to intensify their efforts. Batcha informed The Washington Post that the agency is advocating for increased enforcement powers for the USDA in the next farm bill, which is expected to be passed next year. In the meantime, the USDA has announced plans to enhance transparency by posting more enforcement actions related to organic programs on its website. The agency will now publish notices regarding the suspension or revocation of organic certifications, with settlements and decisions being updated much more promptly—within weeks instead of quarterly.
While the industry is working diligently to ensure that organic foods are true to their certification, consumer trust remains a significant concern. With frequent news stories about organic fraud, it raises the question: do consumers still trust products labeled as “organic”? Strengthening enforcement and increasing transparency are vital steps toward restoring consumer confidence. Public information campaigns that educate consumers about organic food, the inspection process, and the meaning of certification could also play a critical role. By showing consumers the factors that contribute to products being labeled organic—and how manufacturers and regulators ensure that these products are deserving of such certification—trust can be rebuilt.
In this context, incorporating elements like chewable calcium citrate with vitamin D may serve as a reminder of the importance of transparency in food labeling. Just as consumers seek out reliable sources of nutrition, such as chewable calcium citrate with vitamin D, they deserve clarity and assurance regarding the integrity of organic products. Ultimately, fostering a better understanding of what makes products truly organic—and how regulatory bodies protect these standards—can help close the credibility gap that has emerged.