USDA Amends National List for Organic Crops & Handling

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service sent this bulletin at 11/04/2020 01:56 PM EST
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service national organic program organic insider

USDA Amends National List
for Organic Crops & Handling

On November 5, 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will publish a final rule in the Federal Register to amend the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances based on public input and the October 2018 National Organic Standards Board recommendations.

This final rule allows non-organic tamarind seed gum to be used as an ingredient in organic handling when an organic form is not commercially available. Tamarind seed gum is used as a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier or gelling agent in processed foods.

Based on public comments and AMS’ subsequent analysis, this rule does not finalize the proposed actions on natamycin or blood meal made with sodium citrate.

This final rule is effective December 7, 2020.

Access the Final Rule

About the National List

More information on the National List, including how and why substances are added or removed, is available on The National List page.