In recent weeks, there have been numerous cases where retailers have had to recall organic products. The reason? Toxins from weeds harvested together with the organic produce contaminated the latter. One example is corn chips, which were contaminated with so-called tropane alkaloids.

The organic sector is faced with a high recall rate

As the “Sonntagszeitung” writes, organic food is particularly frequently affected by recalls. Since the beginning of 2020, they have accounted for more than 20 percent of products for which the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) issued a warning. Compared to the 10.9 percent market share of organic food, this figure is above average. However, it is likely to be even higher, because the FSVO does not declare with every warning whether an organic product is involved.

Weeds among the harvested produce

When harvesting cereals, weeds can be inadvertently harvested too. In the case of the corn chips mentioned above, jimson weed seeds, which contain tropane alkaloids, were unintentionally harvested together with the produce. The toxin can cause nausea and headaches. Because organic farmers are not allowed to use weed killers such as glyphosate, the risk of unwanted plants contaminating the harvested produce is higher than in conventional agriculture. This is also confirmed by organic pioneer, Urs Niggli, in an interview with the “Sonntagszeitung”: “As a general rule, there is a higher risk in organic agriculture in terms of food safety.” However, according to the organic expert, tropane alkaloids are not the only danger.

Limited means available to fight molds

Molds also cause difficulties for organic products. They can be controlled less well in organic agriculture, because once again the permitted means are limited. Fungi are fought almost exclusively with copper. Molds in food are dangerous for humans and animals as they may contain carcinogenic mycotoxins. Recently, the German drugstore chain Müller had to recall an organic date hazelnut cream due to mold infestation.

Organic boom poses an additional risk

According to Urs Niggli, a further reason for the high proportion of organic products on the FSVO’s recall list is likely to also have something to do with the organic boom during the coronavirus pandemic. According to the expert, growing demand is likely to make it difficult to control supply chains.

Now that the organic boom has subsided somewhat again in 2022, it remains to be seen whether the falling demand will also have an impact on the number of complaints.