WASHINGTON, Feb. 14, 2012--The National Organic Program published a final rule in the Federal Register to amend the use of materials in organic crop production and processing. These changes, reflected in the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances, will be effective on March 15.
Incorporating feedback from public comments, the rule will allow the use of four new substances in the production or processing of USDA organic products:
-Microcrystalline cheesewax, used to hold moisture in logs growing organic mushrooms. -Acidified sodium chlorite, used to sanitize food and food contact surfaces.-Non-organic dried orange pulp (in multi-ingredient organic products), if organic orange pulp is not commercially available.-Non-organic Pacific kombu seaweed (in multi-ingredient organic products), if organic Pacific kombu seaweed is not commercially available.
The rule will also prohibit the use of bleached non-organic lecithin, a component of vegetable oils. Lecithin is often used as a natural mixing agent (emulsifier) or lubricant in commercial food production. The rule will clarify an allowance for de-oiled non-organic lecithin i n organic food processing if the organic form is not commercially available.
The final rule, which includes the full regulatory text detailing the allowance and prohibition of these substances, is available at www.regulations.gov (search for keyword NOP-10-0079; NOP-09-02FR).
The changes to the National List published in today’s final rule were recommended by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). This citizen advisory board is responsible by law to advise the National Organic Program on what substances should be allowed and prohibited in the production and handling of USDA organic products.
NOSB members must consider specific criteria when voting to allow or prohibit a substance, including demonstrated need for the substance and its impact on human health and the environment. In specific cases, including three substances addressed in this rule, the NOSB also determines if a substance is available in organic form on a scale large enough to support organic agriculture.
The National List is a subpart of the USDA’s organic standards that identifies synthetic substances that may and nonsynthetic (natural) substances that may not be used in organic production. The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 and National Organic Program regulations specifically prohibit the use of any synthetic substance in organic production and handling unless the synthetic substance is on the National List.
The National Organic Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture facilitates trade and ensures integrity of organic agricultural products by consistently implementing the organic standards and enforcing compliance with the regulations.
For further information about the final rule, contact Melissa Bailey, Ph.D., NOP Standards Director, at (202) 720-3252.
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