This rule proposes prohibiting several substances currently allowed for various uses in organic crop production, livestock production, and the manufacture of processed products. This rule change includes the removal of the commonly used materials, Oxytocin (Livestock Healthcare Treatment) and Eight of the 18 Non-Organic Colors (Handling Ingredients). 

Comments to the NOP regarding these changes are due October 25, 2021. The open comment period is your time to state your position and provide valuable feedback about the materials up for review. See how to submit your comment below. 

The following materials are expected to be removed in 2022 unless comments are received justifying a need for them to be renewed. The materials on this list are based on recommendations submitted at the conclusion of the NOSB’s sunset review process, AMS is proposing to amend the National List by removing the following synthetic substances currently allowed in organic crop and livestock production (7 CFR 205.601 and 205.603):

• Sucrose Octanoate Esters (crop production)
• Vitamin B1 (crop production)
• Oxytocin (livestock production)
• Procaine (livestock production)
• Sucrose Octanoate Esters (livestock production)

Additionally, AMS is proposing to amend the National List by removing the following nonorganic ingredients currently allowed in organic handling (§§ 205.605 and 205.606):

• 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

How to submit your comments on or by October 25, 2021: 

NOTE: All comments received must include the docket number AMS-NOP-19-0106; NOP-19-03, and/or Regulatory Information Number (RIN) 0581-AD98 for this rulemaking. 

Online:

You may send comments on this proposed rule to the Federal eRulemaking Portal at 

https://www.regulations.gov/document/AMS-NOP-19-0106-0001

You can access this proposed rule and instructions for submitting public comments by searching for document number AMS-NOP-19-0106. 

Through Mail: 

Comments may also be sent to 

Jared Clark, Standards Division, National Organic Program, USDA-AMS-NOP, 

1400 Independence Ave. SW, Room 2642-So., Ag Stop 0268, 

Washington, DC 20250-0268.

You should clearly indicate the topic and section number of the proposed rule to which your comment refers, state your position(s), offer any recommended language change(s), and include relevant information and data to support your position(s) (e.g., scientific, environmental, manufacturing, industry, or industry impact information, etc.). All comments and relevant background documents posted to https://www.regulations.gov will include any personal information provided.

For more information contact: 

Jared Clark, Standards Division, National Organic Program
Telephone: (202) 720-3252