Source:  USDA, 7/31/15

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published a proposed rule that would implement the National Organic Standards Board’s (NOSB) sunset review recommendations by removing two substances – marsala wine and sherry wine – from the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) for use in organic production and handling.  The proposed rule would also remove two expired substances from the National List.

Removing marsala wine and sherry wine from the National List is based upon the sunset review by the NOSB, a citizen advisory committee appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture, that must review National List substances every 5 years.  The NOSB found that both substances are rarely used by organic operations.  Consistent with the NOSB’s recommendations, the proposed rule would remove both substances from the National List and these substances would not be allowed in organic production.

Additionally, the proposed rule would remove two expired listings for synthetic substances (streptomycin and tetracycline) from the National List, along with any restrictive annotations.  Both substances expired from the National List on October 21, 2014 and are not allowed in organic production.  The removal of these substances has no new regulatory effect.  

The NOSB held two public meetings in 2014, at which members heard comments on various substances up for review. The proposed removal of the 2015 sunset substances reflect the NOSB’s comprehensive sunset review process and feedback from organic farmers, businesses, and consumer groups. 

The proposed rule was published in yesterday’s Federal Register. The organic community, stakeholders, and consumers are invited to submit written comments on the proposed rule by August 31, 2015 by visiting www.regulations.gov.