Fake organic produce may be on sale in the UK, part of a large-scale scam hoping to cash in on the growing consumer market.
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The claims have followed an investigation by German authorities, made when it was alleged that over 20,000 tonnes of grain exported to Britain were fraudulently sold as organic. Organic producers in Britain are legally monitored by an official register. However there exists a loophole in this practice for traders and wholesalers to escape officials’ scrutiny.
The Soil Association, an agency that promotes organic food, confirmed it is concerned about the potential for consumer deception. From the association, Francis Blake told the BBC’s The Money Programme that: “It is indicative of the success of the organic sector that this sort of activity could be occurring. Unfortunately, the market is now attracting criminals who want to make money illegally on the back of a very legitimate trade.”
