A new system to electronically certify imports of organic products and ingredients
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 electronically certify imports of organic products and ingredients that promises to tighten traceability, fight fraud and collect reliable data on organic trade.
It’s important to note that after October 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. A move that certainly would help solve a similar problem present here in the US.
A spokesperson for sustainable business consultancy Ecovia Intelligence told FoodNavigator: “There have been some incidents in previous years whereby non-organic 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 its double-digit growth here in the US it is 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.