How safe are our biological food really? The organic industry is currently shaken by explosive allegations around the German Eco Association of Naturland and now also leads to drastic consequences in Austria.
What sounds like a bad agricultural comedy is sad serious: Bio Austria increases the alarm and with immediate effect all “qualified” natural land products on the “blacklist” are based. The reason for this is enormous doubts about traceability. It is about animal feed, grain – and even honey that, according to laboratory analyzes, should not apply as such!
E-mails that must come from the inner organization of Naturland reveal frightening. For example, there have been talk of “exceptions for non -trapable raw materials” – at extra costs. This should cost 25 euros per tonne. According to the accusation, the import from China, Turkey or Mexico could receive the organic seal, even if origin and control have not been documented.
“Free buy” from organic seals and control error in a global supply chain
According to various media reports, independent laboratory analyzes will probably speak a clear language: according to the DNA analysis, the millet of Naturland can be “organic”. The honey? Does not even have the typical DNA profile of a real honey! And with the bulgur: indications of fertilizer made from biomass of animals – a clear violation of international standards.
With more than 128,000 farmers in 61 countries, Naturland has a huge network – too large, as critics think. The control of producers in Mali, Indonesia or Mexico seems practically impossible. In particular problematic: with certain products, applicants can apparently deliver their own quality certificate. Control? Apparently a real no …
Reaction from Austria: Total blockade!
Bio Austria responds – and compromising: Recipient Naturland products are now taboo in Austria. Goods are only saved directly by Naturland members.
“We have to divert damage from the Bio Austrian system and its members,” says an official broadcast. Although organic is a guarantee for quality, traceability and sustainability for many consumers, this case shows how quickly such ideals can dissolve in air – if money and bureaucracy become more important than control and transparency.
Naturland denies all allegations in an internal letter – the documents are the “Kroon” and speaks of a “targeted and controlled campaign”. The quarrels will probably take place!
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
