MIAMI ― It used to be that you could only find organc food in specialty health food stores. But that has changed as the organic industry is proving to be big business. Now, China is getting in on the action exporting millions of dollars of organic food to the United States. But in the wake of lead in toys and tainted toothpaste, many consumers are wondering just how organic anything from China can be.
Pinecrest Mom Ivy Milian decided to eat only organic foods about 18 years ago and has seen its popularity go mainstream. She usually shops at Wild Oats or Whole Foods and unlike some consumers, she always looks at the labels.
"I find it disturbing when I look at the package assuming it's from the USA and it's made in China," said Milian.
In the wake of warnings about tainted toothpaste, poisoned pet food and toxic toys, all from China, this mom of three has her doubts about how truly "organic" produce grown in China can be.
"Just psychologically, I don't feel as confident in food that is from China than from organics grown in the U.S.," said Milian.
She's not alone. California-based grocery store chain Trader Joe's stopped offering some single-ingredient Chinese-grown food products like frozen organic spinach and garlic. While Trader Joe's says it believes food from China is safe, it decided to take that unusual step due to concern from customers.
Meantime, the organic industry continues to boom with big chains like Publix dedicating whole stores like this Greenwise store in Palm Beach Gardens only selling organic and natural foods.
In fact, in 2005, about $136-million worth of organic products were shipped overseas from China.
Full Story: http://cbs4.com/local/China.organic.food.2.717196.html
