Retailers: Beware fake organics

Scientists from the US Department of Agriculture and Consumers Union found pesticide residue in 23% to 28% of fruits and vegetables labeled “certified organic” jeopardizing the reputation of organic retailers.

US grocers including Whole Foods Market, Kroger and Stop & Shop have had to hire third party verifiers to root out produce that contains pesticide residue despite organic seals. Some supposedly organic producers are certifying conventionally-grown produce in order to increase the price. The fraud could also come from middlemen that buy produce at a farmer's market, add an organic seal and sell it to supermarkets.

This dims the image of good organic producers, and threatens an industry that has been growing twice as fast as the food business as a whole.

Although the USDA does have a strict certification program, and suppliers/producers should be available for inspection at any time, most are only inspected annually.

For retailers such as Whole Foods that have gone to the trouble of certifying their entire premises as organic, fradulent labelling puts both money and reputation at risk, which is why they have opted to have their own inspections conducted. Inspections run between $400-$2,000; so for smaller, independent stores this may not be a viable option.

(Source: BNET)