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CONTINUED USE OF FOUR FOOD-CONTACT STERILIZATION SUBSTANCES FOR ORGANIC PRODUCTS APPROVED

The National Organic Program published a final rule August 3, 2011 continuing the use of 12 substances—including four used to sterilize food-contact materials—in organic production and handling. The 12 substances were scheduled to sunset on September 12, 2011.

The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA) authorized the establishment of the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List). Substances on the National List must undergo review by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) every five years. If they are not reviewed by the NOSB within five years of their inclusion on the National List and renewed by the Secretary of Agriculture, their authorized use or prohibition expires.

The following substances are among those that may continue to be used in or on processed products labeled as "organic" or "made with organic ingredients:"

●cyclohexylamine—for use only as a boiler water additive for packaging sterilization,
●diethylaminoethanol—for use only as a boiler water additive for packaging sterilization,
●octadecylamine—for use only as a boiler water additive for packaging sterilization, and
●peracetic acid/peroxyacetic acid—for use in wash and/or rinse water according to Food and Drug Administration limitations and for use as a sanitizer on food-contact surfaces.

The National Organic Program offers three tiers of organic labeling: "100% Organic," for products that contain only organic ingredients; "Organic," for products that contain 95% organic ingredients and the remaining ingredients are on an approved National List; and "Made with Organic Ingredients," for products that are made with at least 70% organic ingredients.