More on Credible Organics

A few weeks ago, we reported on the amounts of foods and beverages that are labeled organic but aren’t. Food Navigator reports on a new system to certify imports of organic products and ingredients electronically, that also promises to tighten traceability, fight fraud and collect reliable data on organic trade. 

It’s important to note that after Oct.19, 2017, only electronic organic certifications will be accepted in the EU, prompted by recommendations from the European Court of Auditors, which will be integrated into the commission’s existing electronic Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES) for tracking movements of food products. This move certainly would help solve a similar problem present in the United States.

A representative for sustainable business consultancy Ecovia Intelligence told FoodNavigator: “There have been some incidents in previous years whereby nonorganic foods have been falsely labeled and marketed as organic foods. Whilst controls in Europe appear to be robust, there have been concerns about imported products.

“This new scheme aims to reduce fraud risks by providing greater transparency in the supply of organic products from non-EU countries. It also should reduce the level of bureaucracy -- and paperwork -- involved for tracking the movement of imported organic products.”  

Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan said the system would cut food fraud and reduce the administrative burden for operators and authorities.

As organics continue their double-digit growth here in the United States, it's critical that we offer shoppers bulletproof traceability – not only for organics, but also for all our foods. We say we want to reinforce trust in our food supply -- using technology in this way proves it.