While I was searching the Whole Foods website yesterday to see if they carried a product I need (still don’t know – will have to call them), I came across their Product Recalls section.

Way back in May (I know – I’m so UP on current affairs) the FDA issued a warning about a “natural” nipple cream for nursing mothers. They discovered that the cream contained harmful ingredients that could potentially cause infants to have respiratory and/or digestive problems. No incidences had been reported, thank God, but still …

Would you have wanted to be the mompreneur who formulated that product? That’s right – it wasn’t a big company like Clorox or Proctor and Gamble who made the dangerous cream. The company has “mom” right in the name and is owned by a woman. (I’m not naming names because a) the product is no longer available, b) this whole thing happened months ago so I don’t feel the need to “get the word out” about it, and c)because, well, there’s more potential controversy in the whole issue than I’m up for at the moment.)

The point is, I know a LOT of us work-at-home moms and mompreneurs are involved in businesses that capitalize the hottest thing going right now: the “green” craze. While I personally believe that some long-term beneficial changes will result from this current interest in organic and eco-friendly movement, I’m also concerned about the potential for misinformation, and for unwary consumers buying up harmful products labelled “natural” or “organic” simply because they put their trust in us to be truthful. And we aretruthful, to the best of our knowledge and ability. But plenty of natural, organic, and eco-friendly substances can be harmful.

That’s why I’m equally concerned about the moms who make their living providing products and advice geared toward living more healthfully or naturally.

Don’t get me wrong. This mishap could have happened to anyone. In fact, that’s my whole point: Are YOU taking EVERY precaution to make sure you know exactly what you are advising or selling? Do you understand the difference between products that are “eco-friendly” and ones that are “safe” and “non-toxic” to humans and animals? There IS a difference, and it’s a big one.

This goes way beyond those emails that get circulated about 101 uses for vinegar. I would hope that most recipients exercise good judgment when those land in their inbox (I know – I’m idealistic), checking out the information before actually implementing any home remedies.

But when they go to the Web to check out that information, will they land on YOUR site? And if they do, will they get accurate information?

If you’ve done your job well as a marketer, your site will be top-notch – free from grammatical mistakes and misspellings, free from technical glitches, appearing in every way a company to be trusted. Your smiling face in the upper right hand corner will assure them that you are a good person with their best interests at heart. And I’m sure that you are. I’m sure of it.

I’m writing this post with the understanding that the majority of mompreneurs have only the best intentions. I think we’re a smart, savvy, caring and responsible bunch of businesspeople. I’m happy to be named among this group. That’s why this concerned me. None of us would want to do anything that would cause harm to come to someone or someone’s children. Let’s be at the top of our game and watchful about anything we suggest or offer for someone’s health or well-being. It’s imperative that we know what we’re talking about.

Again, this incident could have happened to anyone – and has, in fact, happened to large corporations with hundreds of degreed professionals keeping an eye out for trouble. We have, in many cases, only ourselves. It’s going to take more effort and resolve for us to be sure what we’re advocating is the right thing.

Hope this makes some kind of difference, and provides at least some food for thought, whether you’re a consumer of green products and advice or a purveyor of them.