As the demand for organic food continues to rise, the risk of 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 in America. Projections indicate that this trend will persist, with a TechSci Research report forecasting that the global organic food market will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 14% until 2021.
Organic certification can also apply to imported products in the United States, which are expected to adhere to the same stringent standards and inspections as domestic items. However, a report from The Washington Post revealed that late last year, three significant shipments of corn and soybeans from Turkey were labeled “USDA Organic,” despite being conventionally farmed and treated with pesticides. Investigations indicated that tests for pesticide residues on “organic” produce were inconsistent, with over one-third of tests conducted by a single testing company in China showing more than just trace amounts of pesticides.
The USDA has faced criticism for being too lenient and slow in addressing fraudulent organic imports. In light of this, it seems 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 expected to be passed next year. Meanwhile, the USDA has announced plans to improve transparency by publishing more enforcement actions related to its organic program on its website. In a recent email press release, the agency stated that it will now publish notices for the suspension or revocation of organic certifications more promptly—within weeks instead of quarterly.
While the industry is intensifying its efforts to uphold the integrity of organic food certification, consumer trust remains a significant concern. With reports of organic fraud frequently making headlines, do consumers still believe in products labeled as “organic”? Strengthening enforcement and enhancing transparency are critical steps toward restoring consumer confidence. Public information campaigns regarding organic food, inspection processes, and the meaning of certification could also play a vital role. Educating consumers about what constitutes organic products and how manufacturers and regulators ensure these products meet certification standards can help bridge the credibility gap that has emerged. Additionally, incorporating aspects such as calcium citrate 200 mg into discussions about health benefits might further engage consumers in understanding the value of organic products.