Advocacy Group Seeks FTC Scrutiny of Whole Foods over Alleged Produce Mislabeling

The Wisconsin-based Cornucopia Institute has asked the Federal
Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate labeling associated with Whole
Foods Market, Inc.’s Responsibly Grown fresh produce rating system
for potential consumer fraud and mislabeling.

According to a June 23, 2015, letter to the director of FTC’s Bureau of
Consumer Protection, Cornucopia is “concerned that Whole Foods has
not met the standards set forth in its recently developed ‘Responsibly
Grown’ produce rating system in violation of its stated guidelines, thus
grossly misrepresenting the production practices utilized in growing
some of the produce it offers for sale to its customers.”

Cornucopia suggests that “expedited communication” with Whole Foods
resulting in a consent agreement under which signage and labeling
related to the rating program are immediately removed “might best serve
the public rather than investing taxpayer resources in a time-consuming
comprehensive investigation that might result in monetary fines or other
penalties.”

Issue 570