The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a proposed rule in the Federal Register to amend the approved listed for organic agriculture production.
Based on recommendations submitted at the conclusion of the National Organic Standards Board sunset review process, the USDA is proposing to amend the National List by removing the following synthetic substances currently allowed in organic crop and livestock production:
- Sucrose Octanoate Esters (crop production)
- Vitamin B1 (crop production)
- Oxytocin (livestock production)
- Procaine (livestock production)
- Sucrose Octanoate Esters (livestock production)
Additionally, the is proposing to amend the National List by removing the following nonorganic ingredients currently allowed in organic handling:
- Alginic acid
- Colors (black currant juice color, blueberry juice color, carrot juice color, cherry juice color, grape juice color, paprika color, pumpkin juice color, turmeric extract color)
- Kelp
- Konjac flour
- Sweet potato starch
- Turkish bay leaves
- Whey protein concentrate
The USDA said it will receive comments on the proposed amendments and the expected timeframe needed for organic operations to implement the proposed changes. The comment period will close on Oct. 25.
For more details and to comment on the proposal, go to the Federal Register website.
