Thumbs up for organic food sellers

In a survey recently carried out by Trading Standards Services in the West Midlands, including Shropshire County Council Trading Standards Service, it was found that the vast majority of organic fruit and vegetables on sale were correctly described.

Organic foods have been increasing in popularity in recent years. Market research carried out by the Soil Association showed that the value of organic foods sales passed £2 billion pounds for the first time in 2006. Often organically grown foods are sold at a higher price than non-organic alternatives.

Previous surveys carried out in other parts of the United Kingdom have found that food produced from non-organic sources was being passed off as organic. There was evidence that consumers were being misled and may not have received good value for money.

In the survey over 30 retailers selling organic produce were visited. Although a small number of traders were found to be decanting organic food from its original packaging, an activity which requires appropriate registration and auditing, all food examined could be traced back to certified organic sources.

John Hurst-Knight, Shropshire County Council's Cabinet member for economy, said: “I am pleased that this work has been carried out and it reinforces the confidence of consumers that food is correctly described. This is important at a time when consumers are increasingly concerned as to the quality and origin of the food they eat.”

Further information

• Section 15 of the Food Safety Act 1990 creates a criminal offence to misdescribe food. Describing food sourced from non organic production and describing it as organic would constitute such an offence.
• The Organic Products Regulations 2004 control the sale of organic foods and other products. The regulations lay down a registration and auditing system that must be followed if traders wish to describe their goods as organic. The system is very prescriptive and traders wishing to manufacture, supply or pack organic produce must receive certification from an approved inspection body. Inspection bodies in the United Kingdom include the Soil Association and Organic Farmers and Growers Ltd.
• Of the suppliers visited, four were found to be decanting organic food from its original packaging for sale loose from bulk. Two other traders were found to be removing organic food from its original packaging and were repacking the food. This activity requires certification by an approved inspection body. The suppliers were not certified. Officers advised traders of the law and the activity ceased.
• All food analysed as part of the survey was found to be organic.
• CEnTSA (Central England Trading Standards Authorities) is a partnership of 14 Trading Standards Authorities covering Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Herefordshire, Sandwell, Shropshire, Solihull, Staffordshire, Stoke, Telford and Wrekin, Walsall, Warwickshire, Wolverhampton and Worcestershire.