USDA's Proposed Rule for Organic

The Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) recently released the following information regarding the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) proposed rule amending the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances regulations. This proposed rule pertains to the continued use and prohibition of 169 substances in organic production and handling. The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) authorizes the establishment of the National List of allowed and prohibited substances. The National List identifies synthetic substances that are exempted (allowed) and non-synthetic substances that are prohibited in organic crop and livestock production. The National List also identifies non-synthetics and synthetics that are exempted for use in organic handling.

The list of non-agricultural (non-organic) substances allowed as ingredients in or on processed products labeled as "organic" or "made with organic" (specified ingredients or food group(s)) includes flavors (Section 205.605).

Comments on this proposed rule must be received by May 7.

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