German Farms Caught Up in Alleged Organic Egg Fraud

According to media sources, German officials have apparently launched an investigation into more than 160 farms accused of flouting the standards governing organic and free-range egg production. Lower Saxony and two other states have apparently announced an ongoing probe into poultry establishments, including 40 organic farms, that allegedly marketed their eggs as organic or free-range while keeping their hens in overcrowded conditions. Those operators found in beach of EU regulations face both fines and up to six months in prison.

“If the accusations are found to be true, then we are talking of fraud on a grand scale: fraud against consumers but also fraud against the many organic farmers in Germany who work honestly,” said German Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection Minister Isle Aigner. “Consumers must be able to rely on the fact that what is written (on the produce) is also in there. Therefore it is important that this is checked.” See AFP and Reuters, February 25, 2013; The Telegraph, February 26, 2013.