In the past decade many people have taken an interest in the organic vs. non-organic food campaign. Some consumers believe that certain pesticides used on plants are unsafe. Whole Foods Market is the largest grocery store chain that claims to sell “the highest quality natural and organic products”. Which in fact is part of their logo. However, this has been challenged by ABC affiliate WJLA news report originally aired in 2008. The report uncovered that some of the products have been produced in China. If the produce is not being grown in the US under USDA regulations, how does Whole Foods know that these products are certifiably organic or safe for that matter? On September …show more content…
The demand for organically grown produce and manufactured products using organic ingredients was on the rise. Unfortunately, small natural food stores were unable to stock their shelves with affordable prices. Communities began to want what Whole Foods Market was …show more content…
This is listed under “Regulation 7CFR 205.670” on the QAI website. QAI has also informed the press that they do not have a presence in China. They are relying on our USDA ACA to uphold the requirements of the NOP. However, as of January 2010 the USDA’s “Complete List of Foreign Accredited Certifying Agents” does not have an Agent listed for China. In the legal agreement between the United States and the Peoples Republic of China, QAI must accept the word of any Chinese entity that has been granted USDA ACA status as fact. With that being said, it appears that there is no true representation for the products that are being grown and produced in China. They are then shipped to the US with a Whole Foods label and stamped “certified organic” by three different government agencies setup to protect