Think an "organic" claim is misleading? Here's what you can do
Most businesses that say "organic" are telling the truth. But because certification isn't legally required for food to be called organic in Australia, shoppers occasionally come across a claim that doesn't add up: an "organic" sign on a stall with no certificate, a logo that doesn't match the register, or an "organic" product that turns out to have only one organic ingredient.
This guide walks through what to do, in order, without jumping to conclusions.
First, a reality check
Before deciding a claim is wrong, rule out the common innocent explanations:
- The shop isn't certified, but the brand is. A grocer doesn't need its own certificate to sell certified organic brands. Check the brand's certificate, not the shop's.
- The certifier changed. NASAA Certified Organic withdrew as a certifying body in 2025, so older packs may show a NASAA logo while the business is now certified by someone else. See our NASAA guide.
- It's "in conversion". Farms part-way through conversion can be certified "in conversion to organic". That's legitimate, and the label should say so.
- It says "made with organic…" That wording usually means some ingredients are organic, not all. See organic logos and label wording.
- The register is behind. Registers are usually up to date, but a brand-new certificate can take time to appear.
Step 1: Gather the facts
Write down or photograph (without photographing people):
- the product name, brand and batch or best-before date
- the exact wording ("organic", "certified organic", "100% organic")
- any logo and certificate number
- where and when you saw it (shop, market, website address)
- what you found on the certifier's register. Our certificate checking guide shows how.
Step 2: Ask the business
The ACCC's own advice is that your first step is to contact the business and explain the problem. Keep it friendly and specific:
Hi, I noticed [product] is labelled "certified organic" but I couldn't find certificate [number] on [certifier]'s register. Could you let me know who certifies it? Thanks!
Often there's a simple answer: a new certifier, a typo on the label, or a supplier's certificate. A good business will be glad you asked.
Step 3: Contact the certifier (if a logo is involved)
If a product shows a certifier's logo or number that you can't match on the register, tell the certifier. Certifiers own their logos as trade marks, have rules about how they can be used, and generally have a way to report suspected misuse on their websites. They're well placed to check whether the business is a client and whether the product is in scope.
Step 4: Report to the ACCC
If the business doesn't resolve it, or you think the claim is misleading, anyone can report a possible false or misleading organic claim to the ACCC using its online "report a consumer issue" form. The ACCC says it uses reports to inform its education, compliance and enforcement work, and it can require businesses to back up their organic claims.
Be realistic: the ACCC doesn't resolve individual complaints or get refunds for you, and you may not hear an outcome. But reports matter, because they show where problems are.
Step 5: Your own purchase
If you bought something that wasn't as described, you may have rights under the Australian Consumer Law, such as a refund or replacement. Ask the business first. In Queensland, the Office of Fair Trading can help with consumer complaints if you can't sort it out. Keep your receipt and photos.
What not to do
- Don't post accusations online. Naming a business publicly before the facts are clear can be unfair and could expose you to legal risk. Use the channels above.
- Don't confront stallholders. Ask politely, and leave it there.
- Don't assume bad faith. Labels and registers can be out of step for honest reasons.
How Blueberry Bear handles this
On our marketplace every product carries an honest label badge: Certified organic only when we can name the certifier, otherwise Organic (brand-labelled, as described by the brand) or Natural & low-tox. If you ever spot something that doesn't look right on our site, tell us through the contact page and we'll check it and take the listing down while we do. Our public Queensland directory lists businesses from public information only. Those businesses aren't Blueberry Bear sellers, and we haven't verified their certification.
Information checked 17 October 2026 against ACCC guidance on organic claims and on false or misleading claims, and Queensland Office of Fair Trading consumer information. General information only, not legal advice.
— the Blueberry Bear Team