Since the Wedge has invested years in recruiting, hiring and training qualified staff, it came as no surprise that one of their buyers questioned the legality of Bio Block's labels.
The Wedge is one of about 275 cooperative grocers in the country, which collectively helped pioneer the growth in the organic industry. The Wedge was one of the first certified organic retailers in the country and has a full-time Organic Certification and Sustainability Coordinator, Susan Stewart.
"We take the confidence our members and shoppers have in The Wedge very seriously," said Stewart. "Our job is to protect the integrity of the organic label and the authenticity of the food and products we offer in our store."
Cornucopia states that this collaboration between farmers, organic processors and retailers, in partnership with the USDA, makes the organic label the gold standard in helping consumers choose safe and ethically produced food.
"As an organic industry watchdog, we make sure that stakeholders in the organic community, like The Wedge, are not placed at a competitive disadvantage by outfits like Wal-Mart that are attempting to profiteer from the trust consumers have in the organic label," stated Cornucopia's Kastel.
Link to Wal-Mart complaint Link to HOMS/Bio Block complaint(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
