Politics & Government

Whole Foods Organic, Made in China: A Problem? (VIDEO)

Many Whole Foods organic products come from China. Does that make you question the "organic" legitimacy?

UPDATE: A detailed response from Whole Foods has been added to this article since its initial publication. 

STORY: Davis will soon have a   in late 2011.

Whole Foods is the "world's largest retailer of natural and organic foods," but an ABC report currently making the Internet rounds challenges the grocery store’s legitimacy as a seller of organic products. It’s not a new controversy for Whole Foods, as you can see on DavisWiki

Find out what's happening in Daviswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Much of Whole Foods organics are imported from China,” says a correspondent on the news report above. “Organic ensures pesticide free, environmentally friendly conditions, but how do we even know the food is organic?”

The ABC news report challenges the idea that China’s organically produced food meets standards held by the USDA. 

Find out what's happening in Daviswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Whole Foods has responded to the video on their blog in a post called "Dispelling Rumors: Organics From China." Here's part of the response: 

The story, which first aired on ABC affiliate WJLA in 2008, paints the picture that organics from China are not possible. This is simply not true. Any product labeled as organic, whether it is grown in the US or any other country in the world, must meet US organic standards. At the time the story aired we debunked its inaccuracies point-by-point right here on our blog.

The blog makes the important point that the USDA still must certify organic products, even if they came from another country. 

We when the Whole Foods was announced. 53 percent of Davis Patch voters said they do want the store to come to town. 41 percent said no, and 5 percent were undecided. . 

Watch the full report to see what Whole Foods customers had to say, and tell us below what you think about the store that will soon come to downtown Davis.

Will you shop there, or not? Does this report change your stance in any way, or are you unbothered? 


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