Organic Products Containing Accessory Nutrients Manufactured in Good Faith

This request calls for formal review of the 1995 NOSB recommendation and the allowance of accessory nutrients such as Omega-3 DHA for specific inclusion on the National List of permitted substances in organic and is based on NOP’s reinterpretation of past procedural actions.

3 May 2010 --- In a regulatory process clarification, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program (NOP) has asked the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) to reevaluate its recommendation for nutrient vitamins and minerals currently used in organic products. This request calls for formal review of the 1995 NOSB recommendation and the allowance of accessory nutrients such as Omega-3 DHA for specific inclusion on the National List of permitted substances in organic and is based on NOP’s reinterpretation of past procedural actions. The Organic Trade Association (OTA) commends NOP for recognizing that the affected products were offered by manufacturers in good faith.

“It is important to remember that the affected products remain in good organic standing with NOP, and will continue to be found on store shelves while the National Organic Standards Board reviews the specific ingredients” said Christine Bushway, OTA’s Executive Director.

She added, “Consumers have enjoyed, trusted and chosen these products because they are looking for both certified organic products and supplementation with specific nutrients. OTA is pleased that the safety and efficacy of these added nutrients are not in question, but rather the process by which they were approved for use in these products.” Bushway noted that Omega-3 DHA and other accessory nutrient continue to be recognized as safe for use in human and pet food products.

OTA welcomes the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) commitment to making future policy decisions in a transparent manner with full notification and public input. Following this policy is critical to the integrity of organic products and to provide the market stability required for farmers, ranchers and food manufactures to continue to invest and offer high quality products consumer demand, while enhancing rural livelihoods and environmental quality.

“OTA looks forward to seeing these materials go through the needed petition process and National Organic Standard Board (NOSB) review. OTA is pleased that USDA is not intending to disrupt business, but is allowing time for these materials to be reviewed for possible inclusion on the National List of approved materials,” Bushway added.