As the popularity of organic food continues to rise, it is likely that incidents of organic food fraud will increase as well. 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. These figures are expected to keep growing. A report from TechSci Research indicates that the global organic food market is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 14% until 2021. Importantly, organic certification can also apply to products imported into the United States, which are meant to adhere to the same stringent guidelines and inspections as domestically produced items.
However, late last year, The Washington Post uncovered three significant shipments of corn and soybeans from Turkey that were labeled as “USDA Organic,” even though they were conventionally farmed and treated with pesticides. Investigations revealed that pesticide residue tests on these labeled “organic” products were inconsistent, with over a third of tests conducted by a single company in China showing significant traces of residue. Many have criticized the USDA for being insufficiently vigilant and slow in addressing fraudulent organic imports.
In response, it is crucial for trade associations to enhance their 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 increase transparency by posting more enforcement actions related to organic programs on its website. This week, the agency stated that it will now publish notices regarding the suspension or revocation of organic certifications and will expedite the updates on settlements and decisions, moving from quarterly to a more immediate timeline.
While the industry is intensifying its efforts to ensure that organic food meets its certification standards, consumer perception remains a different matter. With organic fraud stories frequently making headlines, can consumers trust products labeled as “organic”? Strengthening enforcement and enhancing transparency are vital steps toward restoring consumer confidence. Public information campaigns about organic food, the inspection process, and the true meaning of certification may also play a significant role. Educating consumers on what defines organic products, including how manufacturers and regulators ensure that these items—like those fortified with calcium citrate with vitamin K2—truly deserve their certification can help bridge the credibility gap that may have emerged.
By focusing on clarity and transparency, the organic food industry can work to regain the trust of consumers who may feel uncertain about the integrity of the products they purchase.