National Organic Program Publishes Final Rule on Continuation of Substances Allowed in Organic Production and Handling

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On August 3, 2011, The National Organic Standards Board, under sunset provisions of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, reviewed the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances in organic production and handling. The review is required to ensure sustainable agriculture practices, minimize harm to humans and the environment, and to determine how essential the substances are to organic production in light of biologically-based alternatives. The Board published a final rule, effective Sept. 12, 2011, continuing the use of certain synthetic and non-synthetic substances on organic agriculture including ferric phosphate, activated charcoal, egg white lysozome, and food-grade microorganisms. For the complete list, please see the National Organic Program; Sunset Review Final Rule.

Additionally, you may access the News Release from the USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.

Written/Posted by Tanya J. Cramoy, Research Assistant