Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to 

or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or 

regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of substances used in 

organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Meeting Notes 

Tuesday, January 5, 2016 1:00 pm ET 

Present: Harold Austin, Chair (HA); Lisa de Lima (LD); Ashley Swaffar (AS); Zea Sonnabend (ZS); Tracy Favre 

(TF); Jean Richardson (JR); Tom Chapman (TC)

Absent: none

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Emily Brown Rosen (EBR) 

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Contac

t

TR rqst? Notes* Discussion

/ Vote

Meeting

Sodium Lactate 205.605 HA 2015 Request to add to workplan sent to 

HS 06 24 14. TR (combined with 

lactic acid) due Feb. TR sent to HS 02 

18 15. Suff due 03 06 15. TR found 

suff 03 17 15. Referred back to HS at 

fall 2015 NOSB mtg.

Discuss Jan 

19

Spr 2016

Potassium Lactate 205.605 HA 2015 Request to add to workplan sent to 

HS 06 24 14. TR (combined with 

lactic acid) due Feb. TR sent to HS 02 

18 15. Suff due 03 06 15. TR found 

suff 03 17 15

Discuss Jan 

19

Spr 2016

Oat Beta-Glucan 

Pet addendum1: 

Source/mfg Process

Pet addendum 2: 

process flow diagram

205.606 LD N Petition sent to HS 05 28 15. 

Response/request for TR due 07 28 

15. No new TR. HS rejected petition 

07 21 15 for CBI. Petitioner response

sent to HS 08 06 15. Petition found 

sufficient 09 15 15. No TR will be 

requested.

Discuss Jan 

19

Spr 2016

Hypochlorous Acid 205.605 

and 

205.601

AS 2015 NOP Policy Memo 14-3: Electrolyzed 

Water (PDF)

Petition sent to HS 06 03 15. 

Response/request for TR due 08 03 

15. TR request sent to NOP 07 21 15. 

TR sent to HS 08 13 15. TR suff due 

10 13 15. TR found suff 12 01 15.

Discuss Jan 

5/Vote Jan 

19

TBD

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

205.605(

b)

HA N Petition sent to HS on 11 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

16. Petition found suff 12 01 15. No 

new TR will be requested

Discuss Jan 

19

TBD
Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Contac

t

TR rqst? Notes* Discussion

/ Vote

Meeting

Chlorine Dioxide Dry 

Gas

205.605 JR/new 

NOSB 

mmbr

Petition sent to HS on 12 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 02 02

16.

2018 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2016 Complete Review: Fall 2016

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Discussion 

scheduled:

Reviewed

Summary

Meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jan 5 Spr 2016

Animal enzymes 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Calcium sulfatemined205.605(a) TC No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Carrageenan 205.605(a) ZS Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development

Feb 2 “

Glucono deltalactone205.605(a) TC Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development

Feb 2 “

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) AS N Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Cellulose 205.605(b) HA Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development

Jan 19 “

Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) AS Y Sunset date: 05/29/18. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development

Jan 19 “

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Colors: Betacarotene extract 205.606 JR No new 

TR

Sunset date: 05/29/18 Jan 5 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Ancillary substances 

for Microorganisms

ZS Vote: 08 04 15. Referred back to HS at fall 2015 meeting Spr 2016
Packging substances 

used in organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

ZS Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development. 

Disc Doc

Spr 2016

Xanthan Gum

Reclassification

ZS TR in development. Spr 2016

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TF/New 

NOSB 

mmbr

Will re-discuss in light of NOSB meeting. Spr 2016

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

ZS Pending NOP Approval. Discussion Document. Awaiting NOP 

clarification

Spr 2016

Ancillary substances -

Pectin

ZS Voted 08 18 15. Referred back to HS at fall 2015 meeting. Spr 2016

Ancillary substances -

Yeast

ZS Voted 08 18 15. Referred back to HS at fall 2015 meeting. Spr 2016

Phosphates 

annotation change

HA/JR Request to add to work agenda discussed on October 9 on ES call. 

TR request sent to NOP 07 28 15. Formal request for addition to 

agenda sent 11 24 15. Awaiting NOP approval. TR in development 

- estimated January 2016

Fall 2016

Marine materials

(marine plants and 

extracts)

JR Pending NOP approval. 

Research Priorities ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2016

- Celery Powder alternatives

Fall 2016

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

JR HS requested addition of this. Awaiting NOP approval.

*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote

Agenda

• Approve notes from the December 15 call

• Tocopherols Reclassification (TF/new NOSB mmbr)

• Ancillary substances - pectin and yeast (ZS) - discuss proposals

• Hypochlorous Acid (AS) - Discuss proposal

• Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) (HA) - Discuss proposal

• Sunset 2018 Agar-agar (LD) - questions for posting?

• Sunset 2018 Beta Carotene (JR) - questions for posting?

• Other business

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from December 15 were approved with corrections to some unclear language under silicon 

dioxide.

• Tocopherols Reclassification. The lead suggested that based on a re-review of public comment and 

a subsequent discussion with another Subcommittee member, the HS consider adding tocopherols 
to 205.605(a), maintain the listing at 205.605(b), and perhaps add an annotation about availability. 

The lead reached out to several stakeholders to seek more info and clarification, and the HS will 

discuss the proposal on a later call. One of the new NOSB members may take the lead on this 

review once their term starts. The group discussed the mention of rosemary extract in the listing, 

and feels this needs to be updated.

• Ancillary substances. . The lead developed a revised draft based on public input from the last 

meeting, with some suggestions from NOP. The revised draft includes a definition for ancillary 

substances and criteria for reviewing ancillary materials that are not mentioned in the original 

review of a generic substance. The HS will seek additional information before voting on the 

proposal. Additionally, the HS will forward the draft document to the new HS members whose term 

begins January 24. Discussion and vote was scheduled for February 2.

• Hypochlorous Acid. The group discussed the draft proposal and its format, and the lead reviewer 

will revise the document accordingly. The group discussed this material as an alternative to chlorine 

and a member noted that there is broad support in community for hypochlorous acid. The HS 

scheduled the vote for this material January 19.

• As a corollary to the above discussion, the NOP will modify a new review template and forward it to 

the NOSB for use with material reviews. This template is a modification of the current checklist but 

in narrative form. It continues to be based on the OFPA criteria and regulation. The Executive 

Committee will discuss this new format on January 8.

• Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS). Deferred to next call

• Agar-agar - Sunset 2018 (LD). The lead summarized the use of the material and noted that it is a 

marine-plant based material harvested from two different species. Agar agar was reviewed during 

the 2013 sunset review and was left on the list while waiting for the draft materials guidance. The 

HS will add questions for public comment regarding new developments and/or unique 

characteristics of agar agar. The members suggested adding language to indicate that the NOSB is 

also reviewing marine plants as a group and may hold a panel during the fall 2016 meeting. 

• Beta Carotene - Sunset 2018 (JR). Beta Carotene was added to the National List in 2007, and 

annotated in 2009 to allow sources derived from algae. The group discussed various components of 

the draft proposal, including questions for public comment. The lead mentioned that Beta Carotene 

is a derivative of algae but the TR was not entirely clear about species. A member added that Beta 

Carotene is on 205.606, agricultural substances. The lead will modify the draft proposal based on 

this discussion and recirculate it to the group.

• Other business - none

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

December 15, 2015

Sunset 2018 Calcium sulfate - mined - questions for posting?

Sunset 2018 - Tartaric acid - questions for posting?

Sunset 2018 - Animal Enzymes - questions for posting?

Sunset 2018 - Silicon dioxide - questions for posting?

January 5, 2016 

Tocopherols Reclassification (TF/new NOSB mmbr)

Ancillary substances - pectin and yeast (ZS) - discuss proposals

Hypochlorous Acid (AS) - Discuss proposal

Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) (HA) – Deferred to next call
Sunset 2018 Agar-agar (LD) - questions for posting

Sunset 2018 Beta Carotene (JR) - questions for posting

January 19, 2016 - ZS will miss call due to hydroponic task force field trip. JR and EBR will also miss call.

Sunset 2018 Cellulose (HA) - Discuss TR if available

Sunset 2018 Potassium hydroxide (AS) - Discuss TR if available

Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) (HA) - Discuss proposal

Sodium Lactate/Potassium Lactate (HA) - Discuss proposal

Oat Beta-Glucan (LD) - Discuss proposal

Tocopherols Reclassification (TF/new NOSB mmbr)

Hypochlorous Acid (AS) - Discuss proposal and vote

February 2, 2016 

Ancillary substances – discuss and vote on proposal

Packaging substances (ZS) - discussion doc

Xanthan Gum Reclassification (ZS) - Discuss proposal/TR if available

Sunset 2018 Carrageenan (ZS) - Discuss TR if available

Sunset 2018 Glucono delta-lactone (TC) - Discuss TR if available

February 16, 2016 

March 1, 2016 

March 15, 2016

April 5, 2016 

April 19, 2016

May 3, 2016 

May 17, 2016

June 7, 2016 

June 21, 2016

July 5, 2016 

July 19, 2016

August 2, 2016 

August 16, 2016 

September 6, 2016 

September 20, 2016

October 4, 2016 

October 18, 2016 

November 1, 2016 

November 15, 2016

December 6, 2016 

December 20, 2016

Spring 2016 Milestones Target date

New NOSB member orientation Feb 4, 2016

NOP - Complete Spring 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 10, 2016

NOSB - Spring 2016 proposals due to NOP Feb 26, 2016

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment Mar 8, 2016

Discuss work agendas on ES call Mar 11, 2016
Public comment webinars ??

Public comment closes Apr 6, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Apr 8, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 11, 2016

Spring 2016 NOSB meeting – Washington, DC Apr 25 - 27, 2016
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to 

or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or 

regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of substances used in 

organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Meeting Notes 

Tuesday, January 19, 2016 1:00 pm ET 

Present: Harold Austin, Chair (HA); Lisa de Lima (LD); Ashley Swaffar (AS); Tom Chapman (TC); Jean 

Richardson (JR); Scott Rice (SR) - sitting in; A-dae Briones (AB) - sitting in; Tracy Favre (TF) - sitting in

Absent: Zea Sonnabend (ZS); Emily Brown Rosen (EBR)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Shannon Nally Yanessa (SNY)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Contac

t

TR rqst? Notes* Discussed, 

Voted

Meeting

Sodium Lactate 205.605 HA 2015 Request to add to workplan sent to 

HS 06 24 14. TR (combined with 

lactic acid) due Feb. TR sent to HS 02 

18 15. Suff due 03 06 15. TR found 

suff 03 17 15. Referred back to HS at 

fall 2015 NOSB mtg.

Feb 2 Spr 2016

Potassium Lactate 205.605 HA 2015 Request to add to workplan sent to 

HS 06 24 14. TR (combined with 

lactic acid) due Feb. TR sent to HS 02 

18 15. Suff due 03 06 15. TR found 

suff 03 17 15

Feb 2 Spr 2016

Oat Beta-Glucan 

Pet addendum1: 

Source/mfg Process

Pet addendum 2: 

process flow diagram

205.606 LD N Petition sent to HS 05 28 15. 

Response/request for TR due 07 28 

15. No new TR. HS rejected petition 

07 21 15 for CBI. Petitioner response

sent to HS 08 06 15. Petition found 

sufficient 09 15 15. No TR will be 

requested.

Jan 19 Spr 2016

Hypochlorous Acid 205.605 

and 

205.601

AS 2015 NOP Policy Memo 14-3: Electrolyzed 

Water (PDF)

Petition sent to HS 06 03 15. 

Response/request for TR due 08 03 

15. TR request sent to NOP 07 21 15. 

TR sent to HS 08 13 15. TR suff due 

10 13 15. TR found suff 12 01 15.

Jan 5, Jan 

19

TBD

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

205.605(

b)

HA N Petition sent to HS on 11 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

16. Petition found suff 12 01 15. No 

new TR will be requested

Jan 19, Feb 

16

TBD
Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Contac

t

TR rqst? Notes* Discussed, 

Voted

Meeting

Chlorine Dioxide Dry 

Gas

205.605 JR/new 

NOSB 

mmbr

Petition sent to HS on 12 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 02 02 

16.

Feb 2

2018 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2016 Complete Review: Fall 2016

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Discussion 

scheduled:

Reviewed

Summary

Meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jan 5 Spr 2016

Animal enzymes 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Calcium sulfatemined205.605(a) TC No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Carrageenan 205.605(a) ZS Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development

Feb 2 “

Glucono deltalactone205.605(a) TC Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development

Feb 2 “

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) AS N Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Cellulose 205.605(b) HA Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development

Jan 19 “

Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) AS Y Sunset date: 05/29/18. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development

Jan 19 “

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Colors: Betacarotene extract 205.606 JR No new 

TR

Sunset date: 05/29/18 Jan 5 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Ancillary substances 

for Microorganisms

ZS Vote: 08 04 15. Referred back to HS at fall 2015 meeting Spr 2016
Packging substances 

used in organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

ZS Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development. 

Disc Doc

Spr 2016

Xanthan Gum

Reclassification

ZS TR in development. Spr 2016

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TF/New 

NOSB 

mmbr

Will re-discuss in light of NOSB meeting. Spr 2016

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

ZS Pending NOP Approval. Discussion Document. Awaiting NOP 

clarification

Spr 2016

Ancillary substances -

Pectin

ZS Voted 08 18 15. Referred back to HS at fall 2015 meeting. Spr 2016

Ancillary substances -

Yeast

ZS Voted 08 18 15. Referred back to HS at fall 2015 meeting. Spr 2016

Phosphates 

annotation change

HA/JR Request to add to work agenda discussed on October 9 on ES call. 

TR request sent to NOP 07 28 15. Formal request for addition to 

agenda sent 11 24 15. Awaiting NOP approval. TR in development 

- estimated January 2016

Fall 2016

Marine materials

(marine plants and 

extracts)

JR Pending NOP approval. TBD

Research Priorities ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2016

- Celery Powder alternatives

Fall 2016

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

JR HS requested addition of this. Awaiting NOP approval. TBD

*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote

Agenda

• Approve notes from the January 5 call

• Sunset 2018 Cellulose (HA). Discuss (waiting for new TR)

• Sunset 2018 Potassium hydroxide (AS). Discussion (waiting for new TR)

• Petitioned Material - Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) (HA). Discuss proposal 

• Petitioned Material - Sodium Lactate/Potassium Lactate (HA). Brief discussion 

• Petitioned Material - Oat Beta-Glucan (LD). Discuss proposal

• Petitioned Material - Hypochlorous Acid (AS). Discuss proposal (previously discussed, waiting on 

"New" template)

• Other business

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from January 5 were approved with no changes. 

• Sunset 2018 cellulose (HA). Waiting for new TR. The members discussed the materials’ uses and 

previous review history. There are numerous uses in organic food handling. The lead indicated that 
during the previous sunset review there was no source of organic or nonsynthetic cellulose, so the 

HS is interested in information regarding new sources, or new uses, as well as alternatives. The 

group discussed the need to alter the annotation (limiting use to powdered form and casings – this 

would exclude the microcrystalline form), and will wait for the TR before proceeding.

• Sunset 2018 - potassium hydroxide (AS). Potassium hydroxide is used in peeling of peaches. A 

member added that it is used extensively and is also used for nectarines. The HS will request public 

comment on essentiality and may discuss this again after the TR arrives.

• Petitioned Material - sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) (HA). The lead summarized the 

material and its uses. SDBS is an antimicrobial, and not considered to be GRAS (generally regarded 

as safe). The petitioner requests addition of this material to the National List as one of two active 

ingredients in a formulated product that they produce.. There are several health concerns 

associated with SDBS - mostly concerning the manufacturing and raw material, and the lead noted 

the incompatibility with some of the OFPA criteria. A member noted the comprehensive and 

balanced review the lead author compiled based on the petition and background info. Because the 

review was thorough the Subcommittee feels a TR is not necessary. However, a member raised the 

option of an annotation to limit the source of production, in which case they may request a TR for 

supporting scientific information. The group also discussed this material in light of FSMA (Food 

Safety Modernization Act). A member explained that the use of these types of materials, which are 

used on ready to eat foods before they are served, may increase. Another member asked if the 

petitioner included information about the difference between drum drying and spray drying. The 

HS will defer the vote in order to further research this material. 

• Petitioned Material - oat beta-glucan (LD). Petitioned by manufacturer for addition to §205.606. 

The full manufacturing process was initially redacted as Confidential Business Information (CBI), but 

was later fully disclosed. Oat beta-glucan is used in processed food to increase the fiber content. It 

has no negative health impacts, and is found to have positive health effects. The lead author noted 

that it is made from conventional oats, and although organic oat beta-glucan was available at one 

time, demand was low and the domestic supply was constrained. The lead noted that commercial 

supply does not depend only on the U.S. market; another member noted that worldwide, the 

supply of small organic grain is limited. The lead will add language to the review about global 

sourcing. The members also discussed alternatives, which were included in the petition but found 

to be less palatable. The HS moved to a vote:

Motion to classify oat beta-glucan as petitioned as agricultural

Motion by: LD

Seconded by: AS

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 4 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 2 Recuse: 0 

Motion to add oat beta-glucan at §205.606

Motion by: LD

Seconded by: JR

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 0 No: 4 Abstain: 0 Absent: 2 Recuse: 0

• Petitioned Material - hypochlorous acid (AS). The group discussed the proposal on a previous call 

and briefly discussed it again before proceeding to a vote. The lead reviewer noted that 

hypochlorous acid is also under review by Livestock and Crops. Members discussed adding an 

annotation that the substance must be produced onsite via electrolysis equipment, as this would 
mitigate or eliminate any environmental and human health concerns. 

Motion to classify hypochlorous acid as petitioned as synthetic 

Motion by: AS

Seconded by: JR 

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 4 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 2 Recuse: 0 

Motion to add hypochlorous acid at §205.605 with the following annotation: produced on-site 

using electrolysis equipment 

Motion by: AS

Seconded by: LD

Additional discussion: Members further discuss the addition of an annotation. 

Yes: 4 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 2 Recuse: 0

• Petitioned Material - sodium lactate/potassium lactate (HA). The discussion was deferred to next 

call. The lead noted that he will be speaking with the petitioner of electrolyzed water as their 

stakeholder rep and will inform the group about the meeting. He also noted that he discussed this 

communication with the NOP and the NOP urged the member to have the petitioner submit any 

comments or information to the public comment docket. 

• Other business - none

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

January 5, 2016 

Tocopherols Reclassification (TF/new NOSB mmbr)

Ancillary substances - pectin and yeast (ZS) - discuss proposals

Hypochlorous Acid (AS) - Discuss proposal

Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) (HA) – Deferred to next call

Sunset 2018 Agar-agar (LD) - questions for posting

Sunset 2018 Beta Carotene (JR) - questions for posting

January 19, 2016 - ZS will miss call due to hydroponic task force field trip. JR and EBR will also miss call.

Sunset 2018 Cellulose (HA) - Discuss TR if available

Sunset 2018 Potassium hydroxide (AS) - Discuss TR if available

Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) (HA) - Discuss proposal

Sodium Lactate/Potassium Lactate (HA) - Discuss proposal

Oat Beta-Glucan (LD) - Discuss proposal

Tocopherols Reclassification (TF/new NOSB mmbr)

Hypochlorous Acid (AS) - Discuss proposal and vote

February 2, 2016 

Sunset 2018 Cellulose (HA) - Discuss TR if available

Sunset 2018 Potassium hydroxide (AS) - Continue discussion if needed and if TR is available

Ancillary substances - discuss and vote on proposal

Packaging substances (ZS) - discussion doc
Xanthan Gum Reclassification (ZS) - Discuss proposal/TR if available

Sunset 2018 Carrageenan (ZS) - Discuss TR if available

Sunset 2018 Glucono delta-lactone (TC) - Discuss TR if available

Chlorine Dioxide Dry Gas – Determine petition suff and need for TR

February 16, 2016

Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) (HA) - Discuss proposal and vote

March 1, 2016 

March 15, 2016

April 5, 2016 

April 19, 2016

May 3, 2016 

May 17, 2016

June 7, 2016 

June 21, 2016

July 5, 2016 

July 19, 2016

August 2, 2016 

August 16, 2016 

September 6, 2016 

September 20, 2016

October 4, 2016 

October 18, 2016 

November 1, 2016 

November 15, 2016

December 6, 2016 

December 20, 2016

Spring 2016 Milestones Target date

New NOSB member orientation Feb 29, 2016

NOP - Complete Spring 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 10, 2016

NOSB - Spring 2016 proposals due to NOP Feb 26, 2016

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment Mar 8, 2016

Discuss work agendas on ES call Mar 11, 2016

Public comment webinars ??

Public comment closes Apr 6, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Apr 8, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 11, 2016

Spring 2016 NOSB meeting – Washington, DC Apr 25 - 27, 2016
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to 

or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or 

regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of substances used in 

organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Meeting Notes 

Tuesday, February 2, 2016 1:00 pm ET 

Present: Harold Austin, Chair (HA); Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); Tom Chapman (TC); Lisa de Lima (LD); Jean 

Richardson (JR); A-dae Briones (AB); Zea Sonnabend (ZS); Ashley Swaffar (AS); Tracy Favre (TF) - sitting in

Absent: none

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Emily Brown Rosen (EBR)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Contac

t

TR rqst? Notes* Discussed, 

Voted

Meeting

Sodium Lactate 205.605 HA 2015 Request to add to workplan sent to 

HS 06 24 14. TR (combined with 

lactic acid) due Feb. TR sent to HS 02 

18 15. Suff due 03 06 15. TR found 

suff 03 17 15. Referred back to HS at 

fall 2015 NOSB mtg.

Feb 16 Spr 2016

Potassium Lactate 205.605 HA 2015 Request to add to workplan sent to 

HS 06 24 14. TR (combined with 

lactic acid) due Feb. TR sent to HS 02 

18 15. Suff due 03 06 15. TR found 

suff 03 17 15

Feb 16 Spr 2016

Oat Beta-Glucan 

Pet addendum1: 

Source/mfg Process

Pet addendum 2: 

process flow diagram

205.606 LD N Petition sent to HS 05 28 15. 

Response/request for TR due 07 28 

15. No new TR. HS rejected petition 

07 21 15 for CBI. Petitioner response

sent to HS 08 06 15. Petition found 

sufficient 09 15 15. No TR will be 

requested.

Jan 19 Spr 2016

Hypochlorous Acid 205.605 

and 

205.601

AS 2015 NOP Policy Memo 14-3: Electrolyzed 

Water (PDF)

Petition sent to HS 06 03 15. 

Response/request for TR due 08 03 

15. TR request sent to NOP 07 21 15. 

TR sent to HS 08 13 15. TR suff due 

10 13 15. TR found suff 12 01 15.

Jan 5, Jan 

19, Feb 16

Spr 2016

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

205.605(

b)

HA N Petition sent to HS on 11 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

16. Petition found suff 12 01 15. No 

new TR will be requested

Jan 19, Feb 

16

Spr 2016
Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Contac

t

TR rqst? Notes* Discussed, 

Voted

Meeting

Chlorine Dioxide Dry 

Gas

205.605 JR/SR Petition sent to HS on 12 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 02 02 

16.

Feb 16 Fall 2016

2018 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2016 Complete Review: Fall 2016

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Discussion 

scheduled:

Reviewed

Summary

Meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jan 5 Spr 2016

Animal enzymes 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Calcium sulfatemined205.605(a) TC No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Carrageenan 205.605(a) ZS Y Lmtd 

Scope

Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. Lmtd Scope TR 

sent to HS 01 22 16. TR suff due 

03 04 16

Feb 2, Feb 16 “

Glucono deltalactone205.605(a) TC Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. 

Feb 16 “

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) AS N Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Cellulose 205.605(b) HA Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development

Jan 19, Feb 2, 

Feb 16

“

Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) AS Y Sunset date: 05/29/18. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 01 

22 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found sufficient 02 02 16

Jan 19, Feb 2, 

Feb 16

“

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Colors: Betacarotene extract 205.606 JR No new 

TR

Sunset date: 05/29/18 Jan 5 “

Other projects
Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Ancillary substances 

for Microorganisms

ZS Vote: 08 04 15. Referred back to HS at fall 2015 meeting. Disc doc Spr 2016

Packging substances 

used in organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

ZS Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development. 

Disc Doc

Fall 2016

Xanthan Gum

Reclassification

ZS TR in development. Fall 2016

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TF/New 

NOSB 

mmbr

Will re-discuss in light of NOSB meeting. Spr 2016

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

ZS Pending NOP Approval. Approved 1-12-16.Discussion Document. Spr 2016

Ancillary substances -

Pectin

ZS Voted 08 18 15. Referred back to HS at fall 2015 meeting. Spr 2016

Ancillary substances -

Yeast

ZS Voted 08 18 15. Referred back to HS at fall 2015 meeting. Spr 2016

Phosphates 

annotation change

HA/JR Request to add to work agenda discussed on October 9 on ES call. 

TR request sent to NOP 07 28 15. Formal request for addition to 

agenda sent 11 24 15. Awaiting NOP approval. TR in development 

- estimated March 2016

Fall 2016

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts)

JR Pending NOP approval. NOP approved request 01 12 16 TR 

request sent to NOP Feb 5

TBD

Research Priorities ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2016

- Celery Powder alternatives

Fall 2016

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

JR HS requested addition of this. NOP approved 01 12 16, but 

delayed until after Classification guidance is published and TR is 

done. 

TBD

*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote

Agenda

• Approve notes from the January 19 call

• Welcome to new members & Introductions

• Sunset 2018 Materials Discussions:

o Cellulose (HA) still waiting on TR to arrive.

o Potassium hydroxide (AS) 

o Carrageenan (ZS) 

o Glucono-delta-lactone (TC) waiting on TR. Preliminary discussion

• Ancillary Substances (ZS). Discussion and vote

• Xanthan gum reclassification (ZS). TR status?, discussion

• Chlorine dioxide gas dry (JR/new member). Petition sufficiency, TR determination

• Tocopherols (TF). Assign to a new member. Discuss status. 
• Electrolyzed Water (EW). Brief discussion on status, alignment with other Subcommittees, possible 

re-vote

• Nutrient Vitamin and Minerals discussion (NVM) (ZS)

• Other business

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from January 19 were approved with one change to the target date for BPA packaging 

materials.

• Welcome to new members & introductions

• Sunset 2018 Materials Discussions:

o Cellulose (HA). The HS has a document ready to post but will revisit it if the TR is returned

before the due date. 

o Potassium hydroxide (AS). The Subcommittee members briefly discussed the substance 

and the TR, and find the TR sufficient. The HS Chair will notify the NOP.

o Carrageenan (ZS). The lead circulated a booklet to the members regarding food additives,

and commented that the booklet provides a very objective discussion. She summarized the 

background information about carrageenan. Carrageenan has unique gelling properties, 

and comes in two forms: degraded (polygeenan) and un-degraded. This substance is 

somewhat controversial and opponents who wish to have carrageenan removed from the 

National List assert that it has negative human health effects such as inflammation. The 

lead indicated that although some research supports this, the previous research did not 

distinguish between the two forms of carrageenan, and scientists disagree about the 

robustness of the research methodology. The group discussed previous public comments 

as well as the TR. The lead author noted that several citations were omitted from the 

recently requested supplemental TR, and therefore the HS has returned it for revision. 

Various other means by which to glean more information were discussed, including a panel 

on carrageenan, and the addition of questions to the review document seeking new 

information from the public and manufacturers. 

• Glucono-delta-lactone (TC). Waiting for TR. Preliminary discussion deferred to next call.

• Marine materials (marine algae and extracts). The lead reviewer indicated that there are nine

materials on the National List that fall into this category. The Subcommittee is seeking clarification 

on the substances, and will include specific questions in the TR request. The HS will also focus on 

the broader areas of conservation and sustainability. The lead asked that members send comment 

to her and the HS chair by Friday, February 3.

• Ancillary Substances (ZS). Discussion and vote deferred to next call.

• Xanthan gum reclassification (ZS). The HS will defer this project to the fall 2016 meeting since the 

TR is not available. 

• Chlorine dioxide gas dry (JR/new member). Petition sufficiency, TR determination deferred to 

next call. JR and SR will circulate a draft document to the group before the next call

• Tocopherols (TF). Deferred to next call.

• Hypochlorous Acid/Electrolyzed Water (EW). The group had a very brief discussion about the

status of the review, alignment with the other Subcommittees, and a possible re-vote. The HS will 

discuss this on the next call. 

• Nutrient Vitamin and Minerals discussion (NVM) (ZS). Deferred to next call. NOP was asked to 

provide feedback regarding NVM and is hoping to receive that before the next call. 

• Other business. 

o The HS added a call on February 23, 2016
• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

January 19, 2016 - ZS will miss call due to hydroponic task force field trip. JR and EBR will also miss call.

Sunset 2018 Cellulose (HA) - Discuss TR if available

Sunset 2018 Potassium hydroxide (AS) - Discuss TR if available

Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) (HA) - Discuss proposal

Sodium Lactate/Potassium Lactate (HA) - Discuss proposal

Oat Beta-Glucan (LD) - Discuss proposal

Tocopherols Reclassification (TF/new NOSB mmbr)

Hypochlorous Acid (AS) - Discuss proposal and vote

February 2, 2016 

Sunset 2018 Cellulose (HA) - Discuss TR if available

Sunset 2018 Potassium hydroxide (AS) - Discuss TR 

Ancillary substances - Discuss and vote on proposal

Xanthan Gum Reclassification (ZS) - Discuss proposal/TR if available

Sunset 2018 Carrageenan (ZS) - Discuss TR 

Sunset 2018 Glucono delta-lactone (TC) - Discuss TR if available

Chlorine Dioxide Dry Gas - Determine petition suff and need for TR

February 16, 2016

Sunset 2018 Cellulose (HA). Update, TR status

Sunset 2018 Potassium hydroxide (AS). Discuss proposal. 

Sunset 2018 Carrageenan (ZS). Discuss proposal, TR status

Sunset 2018 Glucono delta-lactone (TC). Discuss TR if available

Hypochlorous Acid/Electrolyzed Water (EW). Discuss. Revote?

Ancillary substances. Discuss and vote on proposal

Tocopherols Reclassification. Discuss and vote

Nutrient Vitamin and Minerals (NVM) (ZS). Discuss NOP feedback

Chlorine Dioxide Dry Gas. Determine petition suff and need for TR

Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) (HA). Discuss proposal and vote

Sodium Lactate/Potassium Lactate (HA). Discuss proposal and vote

February 23, 2016

March 1, 2016 

March 15, 2016

April 5, 2016 

April 19, 2016

May 3, 2016 

May 17, 2016

June 7, 2016 

June 21, 2016

July 5, 2016 

July 19, 2016

August 2, 2016 

August 16, 2016 

September 6, 2016 
September 20, 2016

October 4, 2016 

October 18, 2016 

November 1, 2016 

November 15, 2016

December 6, 2016 

December 20, 2016

Spring 2016 Milestones Target date

New NOSB member orientation Feb 29, 2016

NOP - Complete Spring 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 10, 2016

NOSB - Spring 2016 proposals due to NOP Feb 26, 2016

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment Mar 8, 2016

Discuss work agendas on ES call Mar 11, 2016

Public comment webinars ??

Public comment closes Apr 6, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Apr 8, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 11, 2016

Spring 2016 NOSB meeting – Washington, DC Apr 25 - 27, 2016
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to 

or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or 

regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of substances used in 

organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Meeting Notes 

Tuesday, February 16, 2016 1:00 pm ET 

Present: Harold Austin, Chair (HA); Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); A-dae Briones (AB); Zea Sonnabend (ZS); 

Ashley Swaffar (AS); Jean Richardson (JR); Tracy Favre (TF) - sitting in

Absent: Lisa de Lima (LD); Tom Chapman (TC)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Emily Brown Rosen (EBR)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Contact TR rqst? Notes* Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Sodium Lactate 205.605 HA 2015 Request to add to workplan sent to 

HS 06 24 14. TR (combined with 

lactic acid) due Feb. TR sent to HS 02 

18 15. Suff due 03 06 15. TR found 

suff 03 17 15. Referred back to HS at 

fall 2015 NOSB mtg.

Feb 23 Spr 2016

Potassium Lactate 205.605 HA 2015 Request to add to workplan sent to 

HS 06 24 14. TR (combined with 

lactic acid) due Feb. TR sent to HS 02 

18 15. Suff due 03 06 15. TR found 

suff 03 17 15

Feb 23 Spr 2016

Oat Beta-Glucan 

Pet addendum1: 

Source/mfg Process

Pet addendum 2: 

process flow diagram

205.606 LD N Petition sent to HS 05 28 15. 

Response/request for TR due 07 28 

15. No new TR. HS rejected petition 

07 21 15 for CBI. Petitioner response

sent to HS 08 06 15. Petition found 

sufficient 09 15 15. No TR will be 

requested.

Jan 19 Spr 2016

Hypochlorous Acid 205.605,

205.601, 

and

205.603

AS 2015 NOP Policy Memo 14-3: Electrolyzed 

Water (PDF)

Petition sent to HS 06 03 15. 

Response/request for TR due 08 03 

15. TR request sent to NOP 07 21 15. 

TR sent to HS 08 13 15. TR suff due 

10 13 15. TR found suff 12 01 15.

Jan 5, Jan 

19, Feb 16

Spr 2016

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

205.605

(b)

HA N Petition sent to HS on 11 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

16. Petition found suff 12 01 15. No 

new TR will be requested

Jan 19, Feb 

23

Spr 2016
Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Contact TR rqst? Notes* Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Chlorine Dioxide Dry 

Gas

205.605 JR/SR Petition sent to HS on 12 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 02 02 

16.

Feb 23 Fall 2016

2018 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2016 Complete Review: Fall 2016

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Discussion 

scheduled:

Reviewed

Summary

Meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jan 5 Spr 2016

Animal enzymes 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Calcium sulfatemined205.605(a) TC No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Carrageenan 205.605(a) ZS Y Lmtd 

Scope

Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. Lmtd Scope TR 

sent to HS 01 22 16. HS sent for 

revision. Rvsed TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Feb 2, Feb 16 “

Glucono deltalactone (GDL)205.605(a) TC Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Feb 16 “

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) AS N Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Cellulose 205.605(b) HA Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jan 19, Feb 2, 

Feb 16

“

Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) AS Y Sunset date: 05/29/18. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 01 

22 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found sufficient 02 02 16

Jan 19, Feb 2, 

Feb 16

“

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “
Colors: Betacarotene extract 

205.606 JR No new 

TR

Sunset date: 05/29/18 Jan 5 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Ancillary substances 

procedures

ZS Proposal Spr 2016

Packging substances 

used in organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

ZS Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development. 

Disc Doc

Fall 2016

Xanthan Gum

Reclassification

ZS TR in development. Fall 2016

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TF/New 

NOSB 

mmbr

Will re-discuss in light of NOSB meeting. Spr 2016

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

ZS Pending NOP Approval. Approved 1-12-16.Discussion Document. Spr 2016

Phosphates 

annotation change

HA/JR Request to add to work agenda discussed on October 9 on ES call. 

TR request sent to NOP 07 28 15. Formal request for addition to 

agenda sent 11 24 15. Awaiting NOP approval. TR in development 

- estimated March 2016. TR sent to HS 02 11 16. TR suff due 04 

12 16

Fall 2016

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts)

JR Pending NOP approval. NOP approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. 

TBD

Research Priorities ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2016

- Celery Powder alternatives

Fall 2016

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

JR HS requested addition of this. NOP approved 01 12 16, but 

delayed until after Classification guidance is published and TR is 

done. 

TBD

*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote

Agenda

• Approve notes from the February 2 call

• Sunset 2018 Cellulose (HA). Update, TR status

• Sunset 2018 Potassium hydroxide (AS). Discuss proposal. 

• Sunset 2018 Carrageenan (ZS). Discuss proposal, TR status 

• Sunset 2018 Glucono delta-lactone (HA). Discuss TR if available

• Hypochlorous Acid/Electrolyzed Water (EW). Discuss. Revote?

• Ancillary substances. Discuss and vote on proposal 

• Tocopherols Reclassification. Discuss and vote

• Nutrient Vitamin and Minerals (NVM) (ZS). Discuss NOP feedback
• Chlorine Dioxide Dry Gas. Determine petition suff and need for TR

• Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) (HA). Discuss proposal and vote

• Sodium Lactate/Potassium Lactate (HA). Discuss 1st draft, final will be ready on the 23rd

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from February 2 approved with minor changes to the table above for the ancillary 

substances proposal. The proposal will be renamed “ancillary substance procedures” and all 

ancillary substances (microorganisms, pectin, and yeast) will be included in the one proposal for 

spring 2016. 

• The HS Chair reviewed the upcoming deadlines as noted in the table below.

• Sunset 2018 Cellulose (HA). The TR was found sufficient. The lead summarized the materials’ uses 

and discussed the questions that will be included in the first posting for cellulose.

• Sunset 2018 Potassium hydroxide (AS). The lead gave a brief overview of potassium hydroxide, and 

the review. The HS Chair will forward the final document to the NOP today.

• Sunset 2018 Carrageenan (ZS). The lead author discussed the revised TR and indicated that the 

questions the HS posed had been satisfactorily answered. Therefore it was found sufficient. 

Although carrageenan has important functions in food, a number of the organic food companies 

are moving towards removing it. The lead noted that although the science is not definitive, and 

scientists disagree about any potential health effects, consumer feedback has incentivized some 

companies to reformulate their products. Members discussed language in the document, and will 

put this version forth for public comment at the spring meeting. 

• Sunset 2018 Glucono delta-lactone (GDL) (HA). The lead summarized the uses of the material and 

the TR, which was found sufficient. The review document includes questions for which the 

Handling Subcommittee wishes to receive public comment. 

• Hypochlorous Acid/Electrolyzed Water (EW) (AS). The group discussed the proposal that was 

voted on previously (January 19) and chose to make some modifications so it aligns with both the 

CS and LS proposals. The HS removed the annotation regarding on site production using electrolysis 

equipment and the group revoted. The classification motion was made during the January 19 call, 

and will remain. 

Motion to add Hypochlorous Acid/Electrolyzed Water at §205.605 

Motion by: AS

Seconded by: JR 

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 6 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 2 Recuse: 0

• Ancillary substances. The lead summarized feedback that led to modifications to the last draft 

version of the proposal and the HS proceeded to a vote: 

Motion to adopt the proposal for the definition, criteria for compliance, and procedure for 

the review of ancillary substances

Motion by: ZS

Seconded by: JR 

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 6 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 2 Recuse: 0
• Tocopherols Reclassification. Deferred to next call

• Nutrient Vitamin and Minerals (NVM) (ZS). Deferred to next call

• Chlorine Dioxide Dry Gas (SR). The petition was found sufficient, although a member had a number 

of questions about the substance. The lead indicated the possibility of requesting a limited scope 

TR to seek additional info. The HS will discuss this on the next call. 

• Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) (HA). Deferred to next call

• Sodium Lactate/Potassium Lactate (HA). Deferred to next call

The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

February 2, 2016 

Sunset 2018 Cellulose (HA) - Discuss TR if available

Sunset 2018 Potassium hydroxide (AS) - Discuss TR 

Ancillary substances - Discuss and vote on proposal

Xanthan Gum Reclassification (ZS) - Discuss proposal/TR if available

Sunset 2018 Carrageenan (ZS) - Discuss TR 

Sunset 2018 Glucono delta-lactone (TC) - Discuss TR if available

Chlorine Dioxide Dry Gas - Determine petition suff and need for TR

February 16, 2016

Sunset 2018 Cellulose (HA). Update, TR status

Sunset 2018 Potassium hydroxide (AS). Discuss proposal. 

Sunset 2018 Carrageenan (ZS). Discuss proposal, TR status

Sunset 2018 Glucono delta-lactone (TC). Discuss TR if available

Hypochlorous Acid/Electrolyzed Water (EW). Discuss. Revote?

Ancillary substances. Discuss and vote on proposal

Tocopherols Reclassification. Discuss and vote

Nutrient Vitamin and Minerals (NVM) (ZS). Discuss NOP feedback

Chlorine Dioxide Dry Gas. Determine petition suff and need for TR

Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) (HA). Discuss proposal and vote

Sodium Lactate/Potassium Lactate (HA). Discuss proposal and vote

February 23, 2016

Tocopherols Reclassification (TF). Discuss and vote

Nutrient Vitamin and Minerals (NVM) (ZS). Discuss NOP feedback

Chlorine Dioxide Dry Gas (SR). Determine petition suff and need for TR

Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) (HA). Discuss proposal and vote

Sodium Lactate/Potassium Lactate (HA). Discuss proposal and vote

March 1, 2016 

March 15, 2016

April 5, 2016 

April 19, 2016

May 3, 2016 

May 17, 2016

June 7, 2016 

June 21, 2016
July 5, 2016 

July 19, 2016

August 2, 2016 

August 16, 2016 

September 6, 2016 

September 20, 2016

October 4, 2016 

October 18, 2016 

November 1, 2016 

November 15, 2016

December 6, 2016 

December 20, 2016

Spring 2016 Milestones Target date

New NOSB member orientation Feb 29, 2016

NOP - Complete Spring 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 10, 2016

NOSB - Spring 2016 proposals due to NOP Feb 26, 2016

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment Mar 8, 2016

Discuss work agendas on ES call Mar 11, 2016

Public comment closes Apr 6, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Apr 8, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 11, 2016

Public comment webinar Apr 18, 2016

Spring 2016 NOSB meeting – Washington, DC Apr 25 - 27, 2016
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to 

or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or 

regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of substances used in 

organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Meeting Notes 

Tuesday, February 23, 2016 1:00 pm ET 

Present: Harold Austin, Chair (HA); Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); Zea Sonnabend (ZS); Ashley Swaffar (AS); Lisa 

de Lima (LD); Tom Chapman (TC); A-dae Briones (AB); Tracy Favre (TF) - sitting in

Absent: Jean Richardson (JR)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Emily Brown Rosen (EBR)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Sodium Lactate 205.605 HA 2015 Request to add to workplan sent to 

HS 06 24 14. TR (combined with 

lactic acid) due Feb. TR sent to HS 02 

18 15. Suff due 03 06 15. TR found 

suff 03 17 15. Referred back to HS at 

fall 2015 NOSB mtg.

Feb 23 Spr 2016

Potassium Lactate 205.605 HA 2015 Request to add to workplan sent to 

HS 06 24 14. TR (combined with 

lactic acid) due Feb. TR sent to HS 02 

18 15. Suff due 03 06 15. TR found 

suff 03 17 15

Feb 23 Spr 2016

Oat Beta-Glucan 

Pet addendum1: 

Source/mfg Process

Pet addendum 2: 

process flow diagram

205.606 LD N Petition sent to HS 05 28 15. 

Response/request for TR due 07 28 

15. No new TR. HS rejected petition 

07 21 15 for CBI. Petitioner response

sent to HS 08 06 15. Petition found 

sufficient 09 15 15. No TR will be 

requested.

Jan 19 Spr 2016

Hypochlorous Acid 205.605,

205.601, 

and

205.603

AS 2015 NOP Policy Memo 14-3: Electrolyzed 

Water (PDF)

Petition sent to HS 06 03 15. 

Response/request for TR due 08 03 

15. TR request sent to NOP 07 21 15. 

TR sent to HS 08 13 15. TR suff due 

10 13 15. TR found suff 12 01 15.

Jan 5, Jan 

19, Feb 16

Spr 2016

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

205.605(b) HA N Petition sent to HS on 11 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

16. Petition found suff 12 01 15. No 

new TR will be requested.

Jan 19, Feb 

23

Spr 2016
Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Chlorine Dioxide Dry 

Gas

205.605 JR/SR Petition sent to HS on 12 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 02 02 

16.

Mar 15 Fall 2016

Oat protein 

concentrate

205.606 Petition sent to HS on 02 17 16. 

Response/request for TR due 05 11

16.

TBD

2018 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2016 Complete Review: Fall 2016

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Discussion 

scheduled:

Reviewed

Summary

Meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jan 5 Spr 2016

Animal enzymes 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Calcium sulfatemined205.605(a) TC No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Carrageenan 205.605(a) ZS Y Lmtd 

Scope

Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. Lmtd Scope TR 

sent to HS 01 22 16. HS sent for 

revision. Rvs’d TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Feb 2, Feb 16 “

Glucono deltalactone (GDL)205.605(a) TC Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Feb 16 “

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) AS N Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Cellulose 205.605(b) HA Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jan 19, Feb 2, 

Feb 16

“
Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) AS Y Sunset date: 05/29/18. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 01 

22 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found sufficient 02 02 16

Jan 19, Feb 2, 

Feb 16

“

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Colors: Betacarotene extract 205.606 JR No new 

TR

Sunset date: 05/29/18 Jan 5 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Ancillary substances 

procedures

ZS Proposal Spr 2016

Packging substances 

used in organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

ZS Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development. 

Disc Doc

Fall 2016

Xanthan Gum

Reclassification

ZS TR in development. Fall 2016

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TF/New 

NOSB 

mmbr

Will re-discuss in light of NOSB meeting. Fall 2016

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

ZS Pending NOP Approval. Approved 1-12-16. Discussion Document. Spr 2016

Phosphates 

annotation change

HA/JR Request to add to work agenda discussed on October 9 on ES call. 

TR request sent to NOP 07 28 15. Formal request for addition to 

agenda sent 11 24 15. Awaiting NOP approval. TR in development 

- estimated March 2016. TR sent to HS 02 11 16. TR suff due 04 

12 16

Fall 2016

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts)

JR Pending NOP approval. NOP approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. 

TBD

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

JR HS requested addition of this. NOP approved 01 12 16, but 

delayed until after Classification guidance is published and TR is 

done. 

TBD

Research Priorities ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2016

- Celery Powder alternatives

Fall 2016

*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote

Agenda

• Approve notes from the February 16 call

• Tocopherols Reclassification (TF). Discuss and vote
• Nutrient Vitamin and Minerals (NVM) (ZS). Discuss NOP feedback

• Chlorine Dioxide Dry Gas (SR). Determine petition suff and need for TR

• Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) (HA). Discuss proposal and vote

• Sodium Lactate/Potassium Lactate (HA). Discuss proposal and vote

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from February 16 approved after a change to the name of the person who presented the 

Glucono delta-lactone (GDL) review.

• A petition for oat protein concentrate was sent to the HS on February 17 and added to the 

workplan above. The HS will assign a lead on the next call

• Sunset 2018 glucono delta-lactone (GDL) (TC). The lead addressed some questions that were posed 

during the last call. The TR was found sufficient on the February 16 call.

• Tocopherols reclassification. The lead summarized the material and public comment, noting the 

discussion about “natural tocopherols”. The group discussed the idea of requesting a limited scope 

TR and chose to defer the discussion to next call. The lead will add some language to the proposal 

for consideration by the members, and the proposal will be moved from the spring 2016 meeting to 

the fall. 

• Nutrient Vitamin and Minerals (NVM) (ZS). The entire group discussed the draft discussion 

document and made some edits. The NOP discussed some issues encountered during rulemaking 

with the prior NVM recommendation, and will provide input to the HS at a future meeting. A 

member offered to send some language to the HS Chair. The HS moved to a vote on the discussion 

document and will add more discussion time on the March 15 call.

Motion to approve the discussion document on Nutrient Vitamin and Minerals (NVM) as amended

Motion by: ZS

Seconded by: HA 

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 7 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0

• Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) (HA). The HS discussed this material previously (January 

19), and the lead summarized the material’s uses and how to move forward. Members suggested 

some modifications and proceeded to a vote. 

Motion to classify Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) as synthetic

Motion by: HA

Seconded by: AS 

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 7 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0

Motion to list Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) at 205.605 

Motion by: HA

Seconded by: TC 

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 1 No: 5 Abstain: 1 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0
• Sodium Lactate/Potassium Lactate (HA). The lead summarized the material and its uses. Originally 

the proposal contained a separate checklist, which the lead then incorporated into the narrative of 

the proposal. After some minor changes, the document will be recirculated. The HS proceeded to a 

vote as the modifications will be minor. 

Motion to classify Sodium Lactate and Potassium Lactate as synthetic

Motion by: HA

Seconded by: AS

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 6 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 2 Recuse: 0

Motion to list Sodium Lactate and Potassium Lactate at 205.605(b) with the following annotation: 

for use as an antimicrobial agent and pH regulator only.

Motion by: HA

Seconded by: TC

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 5 No: 0 Abstain: 1 Absent: 2 Recuse: 0

• Chlorine Dioxide Dry Gas (SR). Deferred to next call.

• Other. Several members of the Handling Subcommittee will be traveling on March 1, therefore the

March 1, 2016 will be cancelled

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

February 16, 2016

Sunset 2018 Cellulose (HA). Update, TR status

Sunset 2018 Potassium hydroxide (AS). Discuss proposal. 

Sunset 2018 Carrageenan (ZS). Discuss proposal, TR status

Sunset 2018 Glucono delta-lactone (TC). Discuss TR if available

Hypochlorous Acid/Electrolyzed Water (EW). Discuss. Revote?

Ancillary substances. Discuss and vote on proposal 

Tocopherols Reclassification. Discuss and vote

Nutrient Vitamin and Minerals (NVM) (ZS). Discuss NOP feedback

Chlorine Dioxide Dry Gas. Determine petition suff and need for TR

Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) (HA). Discuss proposal and vote

Sodium Lactate/Potassium Lactate (HA). Discuss proposal and vote

February 23, 2016

Tocopherols Reclassification (TF). Discuss and vote

Nutrient Vitamin and Minerals (NVM) (ZS). Discuss NOP feedback

Chlorine Dioxide Dry Gas (SR). Determine petition suff and need for TR

Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) (HA). Discuss proposal and vote

Sodium Lactate/Potassium Lactate (HA). Discuss proposal and vote

March 1, 2016 - cancelled

March 15, 2016

Chlorine Dioxide Dry Gas (SR). Determine petition suff and need for TR
Nutrient Vitamin and Minerals (NVM) (ZS). Continue discussion and NOP feedback on the economic 

impact

April 5, 2016 

April 19, 2016

May 3, 2016 

May 17, 2016

June 7, 2016 

June 21, 2016

July 5, 2016 

July 19, 2016

August 2, 2016 

August 16, 2016 

September 6, 2016 

September 20, 2016

October 4, 2016 

October 18, 2016 

November 1, 2016 

November 15, 2016

December 6, 2016 

December 20, 2016

Spring 2016 Milestones Target date

New NOSB member orientation Feb 29, 2016

NOP - Complete Spring 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 10, 2016

NOSB - Spring 2016 proposals due to NOP Feb 26, 2016

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment Mar 8, 2016

Discuss work agendas on ES call Mar 11, 2016

Public comment closes Apr 6, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Apr 8, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 11, 2016

Public comment webinar Apr 18, 2016

Spring 2016 NOSB meeting – Washington, DC Apr 25 - 27, 2016
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to 

or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or 

regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of substances used in 

organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Meeting Notes 

Tuesday, March 15, 2016 1:00 pm ET 

Present: Harold Austin, Chair (HA); Lisa de Lima (LD); Tom Chapman (TC); A-dae Briones (AB); Zea 

Sonnabend (ZS); Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); Jean Richardson (JR); Ashley Swaffar (AS); Tracy Favre (TF) -

sitting in

Absent: none

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Emily Brown Rosen (EBR); Jessica Walden (JW); Shannon Nally Yanessa 

(SNY)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Sodium Lactate 205.605 HA 2015 Request to add to workplan sent to 

HS 06 24 14. TR (combined with 

lactic acid) due Feb. TR sent to HS 02 

18 15. Suff due 03 06 15. TR found 

suff 03 17 15. Referred back to HS at 

fall 2015 NOSB mtg.

Feb 23 Spr 2016

Potassium Lactate 205.605 HA 2015 Request to add to workplan sent to 

HS 06 24 14. TR (combined with 

lactic acid) due Feb. TR sent to HS 02 

18 15. Suff due 03 06 15. TR found 

suff 03 17 15

Feb 23 Spr 2016

Oat Beta-Glucan 

Pet addendum1: 

Source/mfg Process

Pet addendum 2: 

process flow diagram

205.606 LD N Petition sent to HS 05 28 15. 

Response/request for TR due 07 28 

15. No new TR. HS rejected petition 

07 21 15 for CBI. Petitioner response

sent to HS 08 06 15. Petition found 

sufficient 09 15 15. No TR will be 

requested.

Jan 19 Spr 2016

Hypochlorous Acid 205.605,

205.601, 

and

205.603

AS 2015 NOP Policy Memo 14-3: Electrolyzed 

Water (PDF)

Petition sent to HS 06 03 15. 

Response/request for TR due 08 03 

15. TR request sent to NOP 07 21 15. 

TR sent to HS 08 13 15. TR suff due 

10 13 15. TR found suff 12 01 15.

Jan 5, Jan 

19, Feb 16

Spr 2016

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

205.605(b) HA N Petition sent to HS on 11 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

16. Petition found suff 12 01 15. No 

new TR will be requested.

Jan 19, Feb 

23

Spr 2016
Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Chlorine Dioxide Dry 

Gas

205.605 JR/SR Petition sent to HS on 12 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 02 02 

16. HS sent request 03 17 16 for 

additional info from petitioner

Mar 15 Fall 2016

Oat protein 

concentrate

205.606 Petition sent to HS on 02 17 16. 

Response/request for TR due 05 11 

16.

Apr 5 TBD

2018 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2016 Complete Review: Fall 2016

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Discussion 

scheduled:

Reviewed

Summary

Meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jan 5 Spr 2016

Animal enzymes 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Calcium sulfatemined205.605(a) TC No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Carrageenan 205.605(a) ZS Y Lmtd 

Scope

Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. Lmtd Scope TR 

sent to HS 01 22 16. HS sent for 

revision. Rvsd TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Feb 2, Feb 16 “

Glucono deltalactone (GDL)205.605(a) TC Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Feb 16 “

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) AS N Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Cellulose 205.605(b) HA Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jan 19, Feb 2, 

Feb 16

“
Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) AS Y Sunset date: 05/29/18. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 01 

22 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found sufficient 02 02 16

Jan 19, Feb 2, 

Feb 16

“

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Colors: Betacarotene extract 205.606 JR No new 

TR

Sunset date: 05/29/18 Jan 5 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Ancillary substances 

procedures

ZS Proposal Spr 2016

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

ZS Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development. Expected July 2016

Disc Doc

Fall 2016

Xanthan Gum

Reclassification

ZS TR in development. Fall 2016

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TF/New 

NOSB 

mmbr

Fall 2016

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

ZS Pending NOP Approval. Approved 1-12-16. Discussion Document. Spr 2016

Phosphates 

annotation change

HA/JR Request to add to work agenda discussed on October 9 on ES call. 

TR request sent to NOP 07 28 15. Formal request for addition to 

agenda sent 11 24 15. Awaiting NOP approval. TR in development 

- estimated March 2016. TR sent to HS 02 11 16. TR suff due 04 

12 16. TR found sufficient 03 15 16.

Fall 2016

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts)

JR Pending NOP approval. NOP approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. 

TBD

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

JR HS requested addition of this. NOP approved 01 12 16, but 

delayed until after Classification guidance is published and TR is 

done. 

TBD

Peracetic acid 

205.601(a)

205.601(i)

TC Sunset date: 05 09 18. HS requested TR 07 21 15. TR in 

development as of Nov 2015. TR sent to HS 03 04 16. Response 

due ~ May 3 (date flexible) as this is not currently under review 

by HS.

TBD

Research Priorities ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2016

- Celery Powder alternatives

Fall 2016

*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote
Agenda

• Approve notes from the February 23 call

• Discuss new member training in D. C.

• New template for petitioned materials proposals

• Assign a lead for oat protein concentrate

• Chlorine dioxide dry gas (SR). Petition sufficiency determination and TR need

• Open Public Comment period

• Nutrient vitamin and minerals (ZS). Continue discussion

• Phosphates (JR & HA). Discuss process to move forward 

• Peracetic Acid. Discuss new TR. (2018 Crops sunset material). 

• Hypochlorous acid/electrolyzed water proposal. Follow up about spring 2016 proposal

• New agenda items for our summer semester

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from February 23 were approved with no changes

• Nutrient Vitamin and Minerals (NVM) (ZS). The group discussed the NVM proposal and the NOP 

provided some background about the status of the January 2012 proposed rule. This did not get 

finalized, but instead an Interim Final Rule that renewed the existing listing was published in order 

to meet the October 2012 sunset deadline. The proposed rule included a cost analysis that was 

very broad, from $500 million to $1.4 billion. The large range was due to lack of data, and because 

it involves materials used in a wide array of foods: Infant formula, baby food, pet food, breakfast 

cereal, and milk. Within each of these categories it was difficult to determine retail sales and how 

each would be affected. The proposed rule also noted that the estimate may be inflated, depending 

on outcome of pending petitions to the NOSB for a number of additional nutrients. However, the 

NOSB did not support addition of most of those substances, thus costs for implementing the final 

rule remained high. . The group discussed the role of the FDA in regard to regulating baby formula: 

FDA has specific regulations requiring essential nutrients, and a procedure for case by case review 

of all formulas to asses other ingredients. Manufactures are continually modifying formulas in order 

to better replicate breast milk, although FDA has not added additional nutrients as required to their 

regulations. Formula manufacturers think their products will be viewed as “nutrient inferior”, and 

could exit the organic market if they are restricted to the FDA essential nutrients. A member 

indicated that this was understood by the NOSB at the time they rejected these additional 

ingredients, but thinks, the “made with organic” category could be an option. Another member is 

concerned about the loss of a whole organic product category of infant formula. If NOSB 

recommends a specific change to the listing for infant formula, additional petitioned nutrients for 

that use could be considered in that context. . The HS will review public comments and discuss 

further. 

• New member training recap. The new NOSB members didn’t have any additional questions or 

follow-up from the training at this time. The hands-on activities about how to conduct a review 

petitions and TRs proved to be most useful and the members supported expanding that portion of 

the training. 

• Petitioned Materials Proposals template. The Chair noted that the updated review template, 

which was provided to the members earlier this month, will be used from this point forward when 

writing proposals for petitioned materials. 
• Oat Protein Concentrate. LD will take the lead for the review of this material, which is similar to oat 

beta glucan. The HS will complete the petition sufficiency review on next call.

• Chlorine Dioxide Dry Gas (SR). Petition sufficiency and need for TR. The lead reviewer found the

petition sufficient, but had a few additional questions about manufacture and use. The use of 

buffers in manufacture was not included in the petition, and the group would like more information 

regarding this. The lead also asked if there was more than one manufacturer of chlorine dry gas. 

The HS will request additional information from the petitioner before deciding about a need for a 

TR. 

• Public Comment period. The comment period will open tomorrow and will close April 14

• Phosphates (JR & HA). The co-leads found the limited scope Technical Review sufficient. The leads 

will work on this further after the spring NOSB meeting. Initial observations indicate that individual 

materials are not problematic, but the members will also be researching cumulative impacts. The 

HS Chair will send a note to NOP the TR was found sufficient.

• Peracetic Acid. The Crops Subcommittee is reviewing peracetic acid for its 2018 sunset review, 

although Handling and Livestock also received TRs for this material. Both Handling and Livestock 

completed reviews for this material recently, therefore they will review the new TR for sufficiency 

and hold further review at this time. 

• Hypochlorous acid/electrolyzed water. The Chair reminded the members that initially the 

hypochlorous acid proposal incorporated the new narrative form of the checklist, but to maintain 

consistency with the other proposals for the spring meeting, the previous checklist format was 

included.

• New work agenda items. Deferred to next call

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

February 23, 2016

Tocopherols Reclassification (TF). Discuss and vote

Nutrient Vitamin and Minerals (NVM) (ZS). Discuss NOP feedback

Chlorine Dioxide Dry Gas (SR). Determine petition suff and need for TR

Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) (HA). Discuss proposal and vote

Sodium Lactate/Potassium Lactate (HA). Discuss proposal and vote

March 1, 2016 - cancelled

March 15, 2016

Chlorine Dioxide Dry Gas (SR). Determine petition suff and need for TR

Nutrient Vitamin and Minerals (NVM) (ZS). Continue discussion and NOP feedback on the economic 

impact

April 5, 2016

Oat Protein Concentrate. Petition sufficiency

April 18, 2016. Note: Call moved to Monday

Nutrient Vitamin and Minerals (NVM) (ZS). Continue discussion

May 3, 2016 - cancelled

May 17, 2016

June 7, 2016 

June 21, 2016

July 5, 2016 
July 19, 2016

August 2, 2016 

August 16, 2016 

September 6, 2016 

September 20, 2016

October 4, 2016 

October 18, 2016 

November 1, 2016 

November 15, 2016

December 6, 2016 

December 20, 2016

Spring 2016 Milestones Target date

New NOSB member orientation Feb 29, 2016

NOP - Complete Spring 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 10, 2016

NOSB - Spring 2016 proposals due to NOP Feb 26, 2016

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment Mar 16, 2016

Discuss work agendas on ES call Mar 11, 2016

Public comment closes Apr 14, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Apr 8, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 11, 2016

Public comment webinar Apr 18, 2016

Spring 2016 NOSB meeting – Washington, DC Apr 25 - 27, 2016
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to 

or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or 

regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of substances used in 

organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Meeting Notes 

Tuesday, April 5, 2016 1:00 pm ET 

Present: Harold Austin, Chair (HA); Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); Lisa de Lima (LD); Tom Chapman (TC); A-dae 

Briones (AB); Zea Sonnabend (ZS); Jean Richardson (JR); Ashley Swaffar (AS); Tracy Favre (TF) - sitting in; 

Harriet Behar - sitting in

Absent: none

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Emily Brown Rosen (EBR)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Sodium Lactate 205.605 HA 2015 Request to add to workplan sent to 

HS 06 24 14. TR (combined with 

lactic acid) due Feb. TR sent to HS 02 

18 15. Suff due 03 06 15. TR found 

suff 03 17 15. Referred back to HS at 

fall 2015 NOSB mtg.

Feb 23 Spr 2016

Potassium Lactate 205.605 HA 2015 Request to add to workplan sent to 

HS 06 24 14. TR (combined with 

lactic acid) due Feb. TR sent to HS 02 

18 15. Suff due 03 06 15. TR found 

suff 03 17 15

Feb 23 Spr 2016

Oat Beta-Glucan 

Pet addendum1: 

Source/mfg Process

Pet addendum 2: 

process flow diagram

205.606 LD N Petition sent to HS 05 28 15. 

Response/request for TR due 07 28 

15. No new TR. HS rejected petition 

07 21 15 for CBI. Petitioner response

sent to HS 08 06 15. Petition found 

sufficient 09 15 15. No TR will be 

requested.

Jan 19 Spr 2016

Hypochlorous Acid 205.605,

205.601, 

and

205.603

AS 2015 NOP Policy Memo 14-3: Electrolyzed 

Water (PDF)

Petition sent to HS 06 03 15. 

Response/request for TR due 08 03 

15. TR request sent to NOP 07 21 15. 

TR sent to HS 08 13 15. TR suff due 

10 13 15. TR found suff 12 01 15.

Jan 5, Jan 

19, Feb 16

Spr 2016

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

205.605(b) HA N Petition sent to HS on 11 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

16. Petition found suff 12 01 15. No 

new TR will be requested.

Jan 19, Feb 

23

Spr 2016
Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Chlorine Dioxide Dry 

Gas

205.605 JR/SR Petition sent to HS on 12 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 02 02 

16. HS sent request 03 17 16 for 

additional info from petitioner

Mar 15, 

Apr 5

Fall 2016

Oat protein 

concentrate

205.606 N Petition sent to HS on 02 17 16. 

Response/request for TR due 05 11 

16. Petition found sufficient 04 05 

16. No new TR requested

Apr 5 Fall 2016

2018 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2016 Complete Review: Fall 2016

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Discussion 

scheduled:

Reviewed

Summary

Meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jan 5 Spr 2016

Animal enzymes 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Calcium sulfatemined205.605(a) TC No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Carrageenan 205.605(a) ZS Y Lmtd 

Scope

Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. Lmtd Scope TR 

sent to HS 01 22 16. HS sent for 

revision. Rvsd TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Feb 2, Feb 16 “

Glucono deltalactone (GDL)205.605(a) TC Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Feb 16 “

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) AS N Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Cellulose 205.605(b) HA Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jan 19, Feb 2, 

Feb 16

“
Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) AS Y Sunset date: 05/29/18. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 01 

22 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found sufficient 02 02 16

Jan 19, Feb 2, 

Feb 16

“

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Colors: Betacarotene extract 205.606 JR No new 

TR

Sunset date: 05/29/18 Jan 5 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Ancillary substances 

procedures

ZS Proposal Spr 2016

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

ZS Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development. Expected Jul 2016

Disc Doc

Fall 2016

Xanthan Gum

Reclassification

ZS TR in development. TR request send to NOP 10 26 15. TR 

expected May 2016

Fall 2016

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TF/New 

NOSB 

mmbr

Fall 2016

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

ZS Pending NOP Approval. Approved 1-12-16. Discussion Document. Spr 2016

Phosphates 

annotation change

HA/JR Request to add to work agenda discussed on October 9 on ES call. 

TR request sent to NOP 07 28 15. Formal request for addition to 

agenda sent 11 24 15. Awaiting NOP approval. TR in development 

- estimated March 2016. TR sent to HS 02 11 16. TR suff due 04 

12 16. TR found sufficient 03 15 16.

Fall 2016

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts)

JR Pending NOP approval. NOP approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. TR expected Jul 2016

TBD

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

JR HS requested addition of this. NOP approved 01 12 16, but 

delayed until after Classification guidance is published and TR is 

done. 

TBD

Peracetic acid 

205.601(a)

205.601(i)

TC Sunset date: 05 09 18. HS requested TR 07 21 15. TR in 

development as of Nov 2015. TR sent to HS 03 04 16. Response 

due ~ May 3 (date flexible) as this is not currently under review 

by HS. TR suff 04 18 16

TBD

Research Priorities ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2016

- Celery Powder alternatives

Fall 2016

*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote
Agenda

• Approve notes from the March 15 call

• Oat Protein Concentrate (LD) - Petition sufficiency and TR 

• Chlorine Dioxide Dry Gas (SR) - continue discussion 

• Research priorities for Handling - initial discussion

• Public comment discussion

• TR sufficiency for peracetic acid (HA) - April 18

• Additional items 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from March 15 were approved with no changes

• Oat Protein Concentrate (LD). The lead noted that this substance is similar to oat beta glucan, 

which was recently petitioned. The petition was found sufficient and the HS does not see a need for 

a TR. The Chair will inform the NOP and the HS scheduled the discussion of the proposal for May 

17.

• Chlorine Dioxide Dry Gas (SR). The petitioner requests the use of a process and not a material per 

se. The group discussed the possibility of having the petitioner resubmit the petition with a revised 

scope. The lead will provide some language and the HS will inform the NOP of its request to have 

the petitioner revise the petition to focus on the substances involved in the process.

• Research priorities for Handling. The NOSB Chair offered information gleaned from a recent call 

she participated in with the USDA Organic Policy Advisor and members of the OWG to discuss 

research priorities and funding. Two key issues were the length and specificity of the list of 

Research Priorities and the lack of a vehicle for system-based research needs. The OWG requested 

that the NOSB be more concise and focused when putting forth its research needs, as this will help 

when communicating funding needs to funding agencies and sources. Additionally, the OWG 

supports the idea of retaining previous recommendations on the list depending on whether or not 

they have been addressed and whether they are still necessary and relevant. Members discussed 

the path forward and will continue discussing this topic after the spring NOSB meeting. 

• Public comment discussion. The group discussed the various comments received so far. There are a 

number of comments pertaining to carrageenan, most in support of retention of the material on 

the list. The group briefly discussed ancillary substances as well, although there are very few 

comments at this time. 

• TR sufficiency for peracetic acid (HA). TR sufficiency discussion scheduled for April 18

• Additional items. 

o The Chair noted the future call schedule, and asked that the members let NOP know by if 

they will present their materials in a format other than the posted pdf proposal/discussion

document at the meeting. If so, the NOP would like those presentations by Sunday, April 

24.

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)
March 15, 2016

Chlorine Dioxide Dry Gas (SR). Determine petition suff and need for TR

Nutrient Vitamin and Minerals (NVM) (ZS). Continue discussion and NOP feedback on the economic 

impact

April 5, 2016

Oat Protein Concentrate. Petition sufficiency

April 18, 2016. Note: Call moved to Monday

Nutrient Vitamin and Minerals (NVM) (ZS). Continue discussion

TR sufficiency for peracetic acid (TC)

May 3, 2016 - cancelled

May 17, 2016

Oat Protein Concentrate (LD) - discuss proposal

June 7, 2016 

June 21, 2016

July 5, 2016 

July 19, 2016

August 2, 2016 

August 16, 2016 

September 6, 2016 

September 20, 2016

October 4, 2016 

October 18, 2016 

November 1, 2016 

November 15, 2016

December 6, 2016 

December 20, 2016

Spring 2016 Milestones Target date

New NOSB member orientation Feb 29, 2016

NOP - Complete Spring 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 10, 2016

NOSB - Spring 2016 proposals due to NOP Feb 26, 2016

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment Mar 16, 2016

Discuss work agendas on ES call Mar 11, 2016

Public comment closes Apr 14, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Apr 8, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 18, 2016

Public comment webinar Apr 19, 2016

Spring 2016 NOSB meeting – Washington, DC Apr 25 - 27, 2016
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to 

or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or 

regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of substances used in 

organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Meeting Notes 

Tuesday, April 18, 2016 1:00 pm ET 

Present: Harold Austin, Chair (HA); Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); Zea Sonnabend (ZS); Ashley Swaffar (AS); 

Tom Chapman (TC); Jean Richardson (JR); Tracy Favre (TF) - sitting in; Harriet Behar - sitting in

Absent: Lisa de Lima (LD); A-dae Briones (AB)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jessica Walden

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Sodium Lactate 205.605 HA 2015 Request to add to workplan sent to 

HS 06 24 14. TR (combined with 

lactic acid) due Feb. TR sent to HS 02 

18 15. Suff due 03 06 15. TR found 

suff 03 17 15. Referred back to HS at 

fall 2015 NOSB mtg.

Feb 23 Spr 2016

Potassium Lactate 205.605 HA 2015 Request to add to workplan sent to 

HS 06 24 14. TR (combined with 

lactic acid) due Feb. TR sent to HS 02 

18 15. Suff due 03 06 15. TR found 

suff 03 17 15 Referred back to HS at 

fall 2015 NOSB mtg.

Feb 23 Spr 2016

Oat Beta-Glucan 

Pet addendum1: 

Source/mfg Process

Pet addendum 2: 

process flow diagram

205.606 LD N Petition sent to HS 05 28 15. 

Response/request for TR due 07 28 

15. No new TR. HS rejected petition 

07 21 15 for CBI. Petitioner response

sent to HS 08 06 15. Petition found 

sufficient 09 15 15. No TR will be 

requested.

Jan 19 Spr 2016

Hypochlorous Acid 205.605,

205.601, 

and

205.603

AS 2015 NOP Policy Memo 14-3: Electrolyzed 

Water (PDF)

Petition sent to HS 06 03 15. 

Response/request for TR due 08 03 

15. TR request sent to NOP 07 21 15. 

TR sent to HS 08 13 15. TR suff due 

10 13 15. TR found suff 12 01 15.

Jan 5, Jan 

19, Feb 16

Spr 2016

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

205.605(b) HA N Petition sent to HS on 11 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

16. Petition found suff 12 01 15. No 

new TR will be requested.

Jan 19, Feb 

23

Spr 2016
Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Chlorine Dioxide Dry 

Gas

205.605 JR/SR Petition sent to HS on 12 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 02 02 

16. HS sent request 03 17 16 for 

additional info from petitioner. 

Addendum from petitioner received 

4 21 16 and posted to website.

Mar 15, 

Apr 5

Fall 2016

Oat protein 

concentrate

205.606 N Petition sent to HS on 02 17 16. 

Response/request for TR due 05 11 

16. Petition found sufficient 04 05 

16. No new TR requested

Apr 5 Fall 2016

2018 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2016 Complete Review: Fall 2016

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Discussion 

scheduled:

Reviewed

Summary

Meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jan 5 Spr 2016

Animal enzymes 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Calcium sulfatemined205.605(a) TC No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Carrageenan 205.605(a) ZS Y Lmtd 

Scope

Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. Lmtd Scope TR 

sent to HS 01 22 16. HS sent for 

revision. Rvsd TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Feb 2, Feb 16 “

Glucono deltalactone (GDL)205.605(a) TC Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Feb 16 “

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) AS N Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Cellulose 205.605(b) HA Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jan 19, Feb 2, 

Feb 16

“
Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) AS Y Sunset date: 05/29/18. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 01 

22 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found sufficient 02 02 16

Jan 19, Feb 2, 

Feb 16

“

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Dec 15 “

Colors: Betacarotene extract 205.606 JR No new 

TR

Sunset date: 05/29/18 Jan 5 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Ancillary substances 

procedures

ZS Proposal Spr 2016

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

ZS Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development. Expected Jul 2016

Disc Doc

Fall 2016

Xanthan Gum

Reclassification

ZS TR in development. TR request send to NOP 10 26 15. TR 

expected May 2016

Fall 2016

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TF/New 

NOSB 

mmbr

Fall 2016

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

ZS Pending NOP Approval. Approved 1-12-16. Discussion Document. Spr 2016

Phosphates 

annotation change

HA/JR Request to add to work agenda discussed on October 9 on ES call. 

TR request sent to NOP 07 28 15. Formal request for addition to 

agenda sent 11 24 15. Awaiting NOP approval. TR in development 

- estimated March 2016. TR sent to HS 02 11 16. TR suff due 04 

12 16. TR found sufficient 03 15 16.

Fall 2016

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts)

JR Pending NOP approval. NOP approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. TR expected Jul 2016

TBD

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

JR HS requested addition of this. NOP approved 01 12 16, but 

delayed until after Classification guidance is published and TR is 

done. 

TBD

Peracetic acid 

205.601(a)

205.601(i)

TC Sunset date: 05 09 18. HS requested TR 07 21 15. TR in 

development as of Nov 2015. TR sent to HS 03 04 16. Response 

due ~ May 3 (date flexible) as this is not currently under review 

by HS. TR suff 04 18 16. TR found suff 04 18 16

TBD

Research Priorities ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2016

- Celery Powder alternatives

Fall 2016

*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote
Agenda

• Approve notes from the April 5 call

• Discuss public comments

• TR sufficiency for peracetic acid (TC)

• Additional items 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from April 5 were approved with no changes

• Discuss public comments

o Carrageenan: The lead summarized the written comments and the group discussed various 

aspects of the material. Two researchers, one on either side of the argument, will be on 

the public comment webinar tomorrow to provide oral comment. Members discussed the 

need to weigh the scientific evidence and consumer interests along with the review criteria. 

o Hypochlorous acid: Commenters have raised concerns about sources, although the Board 

focus is on electrolyzed water. The NOP supports the addition of “as petitioned” to the 

proposal to clarify. 

o Sodium & Potassium Lactate: A commenter raised an issue regarding calcium lactate and 

requested that the Board discuss this. This material was not included in the petition or the 

technical review so, while similar, it would need to be petitioned separately. 

TR sufficiency for peracetic acid (TC). The lead was not able to join the call, but sent his initial 

review via email, finding the TR sufficient. The NOP clarified some information regarding uses of 

peracetic acid. The TR identified the approved FDA sanitizing solutions, a number of which contain 

peracetic acid and other chemicals. Not all the FDA approved solutions are suitable for organic use 

in direct contact with product. This does not impact the NOSB review, as they are reviewing 

peracetic acid as a single substance, and there is no restriction on manufacture or source.

• Additional items 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

April 5, 2016

Oat Protein Concentrate. Petition sufficiency

April 18, 2016. Note: Call moved to Monday

Nutrient Vitamin and Minerals (NVM) (ZS). Continue discussion

TR sufficiency for peracetic acid (TC)

May 3, 2016 - cancelled

May 17, 2016

Oat Protein Concentrate (LD) - discuss proposal

June 7, 2016 

June 21, 2016

July 5, 2016 

July 19, 2016

August 2, 2016 

August 16, 2016 
September 6, 2016 

September 20, 2016

October 4, 2016 

October 18, 2016 

November 1, 2016 

November 15, 2016

December 6, 2016 

December 20, 2016

Spring 2016 Milestones Target date

New NOSB member orientation Feb 29, 2016

NOP - Complete Spring 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 10, 2016

NOSB - Spring 2016 proposals due to NOP Feb 26, 2016

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment Mar 16, 2016

Discuss work agendas on ES call Mar 11, 2016

Public comment closes Apr 14, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Apr 8, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 18, 2016

Public comment webinar Apr 19, 2016

Spring 2016 NOSB meeting – Washington, DC Apr 25 - 27, 2016
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to 

or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or 

regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of substances used in 

organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Meeting Notes 

Tuesday, May 17, 2016 1:00 pm ET 

Present: Harold Austin, Chair (HA); Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); Zea Sonnabend (ZS); Ashley Swaffar (AS); 

Tom Chapman (TC); Lisa de Lima (LD); Tracy Favre (TF) - observer; Harriet Behar - observer

Absent: Jean Richardson (JR); A-dae Briones (AB)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Emily Brown Rosen (EBR); Jessica Walden (JW)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

205.605(b) HA Y Petition sent to HS on 11 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

16. Petition found suff 12 01 15. No 

new TR will be requested. Referred 

back to HS at Apr 2016 NOSB 

meeting. TR request sent 05 18 16

TBD Fall 2016

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas, 

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 JR/SR Petition for chlorine dioxide dry gas 

sent to HS on 12 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 02 02 

16. HS sent request 03 17 16 for 

additional info from petitioner.

Sodium chlorite addendum received 

05 05 16. Suff due?

Jun 7, 

Aug 16

Fall 2016

Oat protein 

concentrate

205.606 EO N Petition sent to HS on 02 17 16. 

Response/request for TR due 05 11 

16. Petition found sufficient 04 05 

16. No new TR requested

May 18 Fall 2016

2018 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2016 Complete Review: Fall 2016

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled,

Discussed

Voted

Review 

Meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016

Animal enzymes 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016
Calcium sulfatemined

205.605(a) TC No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jul 5 Fall 2016

Carrageenan 205.605(a) ZS Y Lmtd 

Scope

Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. Lmtd Scope TR 

sent to HS 01 22 16. HS sent for 

revision. Rvsd TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jul 5, and 

Aug 2

Fall 2016

Glucono deltalactone (GDL)205.605(a) TC Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jul 5 Fall 2016

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) AS N Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 21 Fall 2016

Cellulose 205.605(b) HA Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jun 7 Fall 2016

Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) AS Y Sunset date: 05/29/18. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 01 

22 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found sufficient 02 02 16

Jun 21 Fall 2016

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016

Colors: Betacarotene extract 205.606 JR No new 

TR

Sunset date: 05/29/18 Jun 21 Fall 2016

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

ZS Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development, expected Jul 2016

Disc Doc

Fall 2016

Xanthan Gum

Reclassification

ZS TR in development. TR request send to NOP 10 26 15. TR 

expected May 2016. TR sent to HS 04 22 16. Response due 06 21 

16. Review scheduled Jun 7

Fall 2016

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TF/? Review scheduled Jul 19 Fall 2016

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

ZS Pending NOP Approval. Approved 1-12-16. Proposal. TBD
Phosphates 

annotation change

HA/JR Request to add to work agenda discussed on October 9 on ES call. 

TR request sent to NOP 07 28 15. Formal request for addition to 

agenda sent 11 24 15. Awaiting NOP approval. TR in development 

- estimated March 2016. TR sent to HS 02 11 16. TR suff due 04 

12 16. TR found sufficient 03 15 16.

Fall 2016

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts)

JR Pending NOP approval. NOP approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. TR expected Jul 2016. Proposal?

Fall 2016

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

JR HS requested addition of this. NOP approved 01 12 16, but 

delayed until after Classification guidance is published and TR is 

done. 

TBD

Peracetic acid 

205.601(a)

205.601(i)

TC Sunset date: 05 09 18. HS requested TR 07 21 15. TR in 

development as of Nov 2015. TR sent to HS 03 04 16. TR suff 04 

18 16. TR found suff 04 18 16. 

TBD

Research Priorities ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2016

- Celery Powder alternatives

Fall 2016

*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote

Agenda

• Approve notes from the April 18 call

• Recap NOSB April 2016 meeting (ALL)

• Schedule materials/assign call dates for discussion for summer (ALL)

• Oat Protein Concentrate (LD) - discuss proposal

• Discuss Sodium Chlorite (SR) (originally petitioned as chlorine dioxide dry gas). Assign lead, set a 

date for Petition sufficiency

• Sodium Dodecyl benzene Sulfonate next steps (HA)

• Discuss Xanthan gum TR sufficiency (due 6-21) (ZS)

• Ancillary Substances (ZS)

• Research Priorities (TC)

• Tocopherols status (TF?)

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from April 18 approved with no changes. 

• NOSB April 2016 meeting recap (ALL). Members discussed the spring meeting including the process 

for reviewing ancillary substances going forth. See below for discussion.

o Ancillary Substances (ZS). The review of ancillary substances will begin with the 2018 

sunset materials. The members discussed best practices for including information in the 

proposals, and will likely include a statement about whether or not there are ancillaries, 

and if so, how they were addressed. For ancillary substances that are not allowed, the 

Subcommittee will initiate a separate proposal. This process will be referred to the Policy 

Development Subcommittee for addition to the PPM 

o Sodium Dodecyl benzene Sulfonate (SDBS). SDBS was referred back to Subcommittee at 

spring NOSB meeting. The group discussed at length the material and the path forward and 

will request a Technical Report. 
o Schedule materials/assign call dates for discussion for summer (ALL). See work agenda 

tables for scheduled discussion dates.

• Oat Protein Concentrate (LD). The lead summarized the material and the petitioned use 

and the members discussed the proposal and voted. This substance is very similar to oat 

beta glucan, which the Subcommittee did not recommended for listing. The HS did not find 

claims of commercial unavailability compelling, and noted that organic oats are available in 

the EU. 

Motion to classify Oat Protein Concentrate as petitioned as agricultural

Motion by: LD

Seconded by: TC

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 6 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 2 Recuse: 0 

Motion to add Oat Protein Concentrate as petitioned at §205.606

Motion by: LD

Seconded by: SR

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 0 No: 6 Abstain: 0 Absent: 2 Recuse: 0

• Sodium Chlorite for generation of chlorine dioxide (SR). Originally petitioned as chlorine dioxide 

dry gas. Petition sufficiency was scheduled for June 7, and the proposal discussion for August 16.

• Sodium Dodecyl benzene Sulfonate next steps (HA). As noted about, the HS will request a TR. 

• Discuss Xanthan gum TR sufficiency (due 6-21) (ZS). Scheduled for June 7

• Research Priorities (TC). The HS will review previous topics to determine what is still relevant and 

what should go forward, as well as propose any new topics. 

• Tocopherols status (TF?). Deferred

• Additional items. None

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

April 18, 2016. Note: Call moved to Monday

Nutrient Vitamin and Minerals (NVM) (ZS). Continue discussion

TR sufficiency for peracetic acid (TC)

May 3, 2016 - cancelled

May 17, 2016

Oat Protein Concentrate (LD) - discuss proposal

June 7, 2016

Agar agar (LD) - discuss and vote

Animal Enzymes (LD) - discuss and vote

Silicon dioxide (LD) - discuss and vote

Xanthan Gum (ZS) - reclassification

Sodium Chlorite (SR) - petition sufficiency

Cellulose (HA) - discuss and vote
Research Priorities (All)

June 21, 2016

Research Priorities (All)

Tartaric acid (AS) - discuss and vote

Potassium Hydroxide (AS) - discuss and vote

Colors: Beta-carotene extract (JR) - discuss and vote

July 5, 2016 

 Carrageenan (ZS) - discuss

Glucono delta-lactone (GDL) (TC) - discuss and vote

Calcium Sulfate (TC) - discuss and vote 

July 19, 2016

August 2, 2016

Carrageenan (ZS) -- discuss and vote 

August 16, 2016 

Sodium Chlorite (SR) - Discuss proposal

September 6, 2016 

September 20, 2016

October 4, 2016 

October 18, 2016 

November 1, 2016 

November 15, 2016

December 6, 2016 

December 20, 2016

Fall 2016 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Complete fall 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Sept 8, 2016

NOSB - Fall 2016 proposals due to NOP Sept 14, 2016

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment June/TBD 

Discuss work agendas on ES call Oct 14, 2016

Public comment closes Oct 26, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Nov 2, 2016

Public comment webinars Nov 3, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Nov 4, 2016 

Fall 2016 NOSB meeting - St Louis, MO Nov 16-18, 2016
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to 

or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or 

regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of substances used in 

organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Meeting Notes 

Tuesday, June 7, 2016 1:00 pm ET 

Present: Harold Austin, Chair (HA); Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); Zea Sonnabend (ZS); Ashley Swaffar (AS); 

Tom Chapman (TC); Lisa de Lima (LD); Tracy Favre (TF) - observer; Harriet Behar - observer

Absent: Jean Richardson (JR); A-dae Briones (AB)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jessica Walden (JW)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

205.605(b) HA Y Petition sent to HS on 11 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

16. Petition found suff 12 01 15. No 

new TR will be requested. Referred 

back to HS at Apr 2016 NOSB 

meeting. TR request sent 05 18 16. 

TBD Fall 2016

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas, 

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 JR/SR Petition for chlorine dioxide dry gas 

sent to HS on 12 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 02 02 

16. HS sent request 03 17 16 for 

additional info from petitioner.

Sodium chlorite addendum received 

05 05 16. Suff due 07 05 16. Petition 

found sufficient 06 07 16

Jun 7,

Aug 16

Fall 2016

Oat protein 

concentrate

205.606 EO N Petition sent to HS on 02 17 16. 

Response/request for TR due 05 11 

16. Petition found sufficient 04 05 

16. No new TR requested

May 17 Fall 2016

2018 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2016 Complete Review: Fall 2016

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled,

Discussed

Voted

Review 

Meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016

Animal enzymes 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016
Calcium sulfatemined

205.605(a) TC No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jul 5 Fall 2016

Carrageenan 205.605(a) ZS Y Lmtd 

Scope

Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. Lmtd Scope TR 

sent to HS 01 22 16. HS sent for 

revision. Rvsd TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jul 5, and 

Aug 2

Fall 2016

Glucono deltalactone (GDL)205.605(a) TC Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jul 5 Fall 2016

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) AS N Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 21 Fall 2016

Cellulose 205.605(b) HA Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jun 21 Fall 2016

Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) AS Y Sunset date: 05/29/18. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 01 

22 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found sufficient 02 02 16

Jun 21 Fall 2016

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016

Colors: Betacarotene extract 205.606 JR No new 

TR

Sunset date: 05/29/18 Jun 21 Fall 2016

2019 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2017 Complete Review: Fall 2017

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Attapulgite 205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 Fall 2017

Bentonite 205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 “

Diatomaceous 

earth

205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 “

Nitrogen 205.605(a) LD N Jun 21 “

Sodium carbonate 205.605(a) LD Jun 21 “
Acidified sodium 

chlorite

205.605(b) AS Jun 21 “

Calcium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AS Jun 21 “

Carbon dioxide 205.605(b) LD N Jun 21 “

Chlorine dioxide 205.605(b) AS Jun 21 “

Magnesium 

chloride

205.605(b) JR ? Jun 21 “

Potassium acid 

tartrate

205.605(b) JR ? Jun 21 “

Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AS Jun 21 “

Sodium 

phosphates

205.605(b) JR/HA 2016 Phosphates - TR Request rec'd 

7/28/15; TR sent to HS on 

2/10/2016; TR found sufficient 

on 3/15/2016

Jun 21 “

Casings 205.606 JR N Jun 21 “

Konjac flour 205.606 SR Jun 21 “

Pectin (nonamidated forms 

only)

205.606 TC Jun 21 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

ZS Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development, expected Jul 2016

Disc Doc

Fall 2016

Xanthan Gum

Reclassification

ZS TR in development. TR request send to NOP 10 26 15. TR 

expected May 2016. TR sent to HS 04 22 16. Response due 06 21 

16. Review scheduled Jun 7. TR found sufficient 06 07 16. HS will 

not go forth with reclassification - Waiting for NOP re: how to 

finalize

Fall 2016

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TF/? Review scheduled Jul 19 Fall 2016

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

ZS Pending NOP Approval. Approved 1-12-16. Proposal. TBD
Phosphates 

annotation change

HA/JR Request to add to work agenda discussed on October 9 on ES call. 

TR request sent to NOP 07 28 15. Formal request for addition to 

agenda sent 11 24 15. Awaiting NOP approval. TR in development 

- estimated March 2016. TR sent to HS 02 11 16. TR suff due 04 

12 16. TR found sufficient 03 15 16.

Fall 2016

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts)

JR Pending NOP approval. NOP approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. TR expected Jul 2016. Proposal?

Fall 2016

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

JR HS requested addition of this. NOP approved 01 12 16, but 

delayed until after Classification guidance is published and TR is 

done. 

TBD

Peracetic acid 

205.601(a)

205.601(i)

TC Sunset date: 05 09 18. HS requested TR 07 21 15. TR in 

development as of Nov 2015. TR sent to HS 03 04 16. TR suff 04 

18 16. TR found suff 04 18 16. 

TBD

Research Priorities ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2016

- Celery Powder alternatives

Fall 2016

*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote

Agenda

• Approve notes from the May 17

• Agar agar (LD) - discuss and vote

• Animal Enzymes (LD) - discuss and vote

• Silicon dioxide (LD) - discuss and vote

• Xanthan Gum (ZS) - reclassification 

• Sodium Chlorite (SR) - petition sufficiency 

• Cellulose (HA) - discuss draft version 

• Research Priorities (All)

• Discuss 2019 Sunset materials review

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from May 17 approved with no changes

• Agar agar (LD). The lead summarized the material and its uses. There was discussion about whether 

the manufacturing process involved synthetic processes, and the group agreed to wait until the 

Classification of materials final guidance is published. The group revised some minor language in 

the draft proposal and proceeded to a vote. 

Motion to remove agar agar from 205.605(a)

Motion by: LD

Seconded by: AS

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 0 No: 6 Abstain: 0 Absent: 2 Recuse: 0

• Silicon dioxide (LD). The lead summarized silicon dioxide for the group. It has a variety of uses

including as an anticaking agent, a stabilizer in beer, and a defoaming agent. Public commenters 

also noted it is used to meter seed during the seed-pelleting process. The group also discussed 
public comments that suggested the Subcommittee revisit the original NOSB recommendation, 

which did not limit the only organic (or non-synthetic) option to rice hulls. The HS will include 

language in the proposal asking for clarification about this. The lead indicated that it is a fairly 

benign material and there was no new information since the last review

Motion to remove silicon dioxide from 205.605(b)

Motion by: LD

Seconded by: TC

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 0 No: 6 Abstain: 0 Absent: 2 Recuse: 0

• Animal enzymes (LD). The lead summarized the material and its uses, noting that it is 

straightforward. During the first posting for the sunset review, the Subcommittee included a list of 

ancillary substances and received no feedback other than for the material itself. The group further 

discussed ancillary substances. The NOP will provide some additional information about whether 

any of the ancillary substances in the table are on the International Agency for Research on Cancer 

(IARC) or the National Toxicology Program (NTP) lists. The Subcommittee plans to include a request

for ancillary substances to be reviewed according to the new assessment criteria when TRs are 

requested in the future.

Motion to remove animal enzymes from 205.605(a)

Motion by: LD

Seconded by: AS

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 0 No: 6 Abstain: 0 Absent: 2 Recuse: 0

• Xanthan Gum (ZS). The HS received a TR that focused on manufacturing, which they found 

sufficient. At this time, and in light of the TR, the HS decided that xanthan gum does not warrant

reclassification. The Subcommittee will consult with the NOP about how to close the loop so future 

Boards know that reclassification was considered but was deemed unnecessary. 

• Sodium Chlorite for the purpose of generating chlorine dioxide gas (SR). The lead summarized the 

material and its uses, and discussed information supplied after the first review of the petition. The 

petition was found sufficient, and the proposal was scheduled for discussion and vote in August.

• Cellulose (HA). Deferred to next call. 

• Research Priorities (All). The group discussed the draft compilation document sent by the Materials 

Subcommittee, which included the previous research priorities. Several members felt that some of 

the previous priorities are still pertinent but perhaps not attainable at this time, while others could 

be removed because they are being researched already. The Subcommittee will discuss this and any 

new priorities at the start of the next call. 

• 2019 Sunset materials review. The group assigned leads for all materials and will proceed with TR 

determinations by June 21.

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

May 17, 2016
Oat Protein Concentrate (LD) - discuss proposal

June 7, 2016

Agar agar (LD) - discuss and vote

Animal Enzymes (LD) - discuss and vote

Silicon dioxide (LD) - discuss and vote

Xanthan Gum (ZS) - reclassification

Sodium Chlorite (SR) - petition sufficiency

Cellulose (HA) - discuss and vote

Research Priorities (All)

June 21, 2016

Research Priorities (Research Priorities (All))

Cellulose (HA) - discuss draft

Tartaric acid (AS) - discuss and vote

Potassium Hydroxide (AS) - discuss and vote

2019 Sunset materials - TR determinations

2018 Sunset materials - Colors: Beta-carotene extract (JR) - discuss and vote

July 5, 2016 

 Carrageenan (ZS) - discuss

Glucono delta-lactone (GDL) (TC) - discuss and vote

Calcium Sulfate (TC) - discuss and vote 

July 19, 2016

August 2, 2016

Carrageenan (ZS) -- discuss and vote 

August 16, 2016 

Sodium Chlorite (SR) - Discuss proposal

September 6, 2016 

September 20, 2016

October 4, 2016 

October 18, 2016 

November 1, 2016 

November 15, 2016

December 6, 2016 

December 20, 2016

Fall 2016 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Complete fall 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Sept 8, 2016

NOSB - Fall 2016 proposals due to NOP Sept 14, 2016

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment June/TBD 

Discuss work agendas on ES call Oct 14, 2016

Public comment closes Oct 26, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Nov 2, 2016

Public comment webinar Nov 3, 2016
Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Nov 4, 2016 

Fall 2016 NOSB meeting - St Louis, MO Nov 16-18, 2016
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to 

or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or 

regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of substances used in 

organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Meeting Notes 

Tuesday, June 21, 2016 1:00 pm ET 

Present: Harold Austin, Chair (HA); Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); Zea Sonnabend (ZS); Ashley Swaffar (AS); 

Tom Chapman (TC); Lisa de Lima (LD); Jean Richardson (JR); Tracy Favre (TF) - observer

Absent: A-dae Briones (AB)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jessica Walden (JW)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

205.605(b) HA Y Petition sent to HS on 11 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

16. Petition found suff 12 01 15. No 

new TR will be requested. Referred 

back to HS at Apr 2016 NOSB 

meeting. TR request sent 05 18 16. 

TR in development.

TBD Fall 2016

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas, 

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 JR/SR Petition for chlorine dioxide dry gas 

sent to HS on 12 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 02 02 

16. HS sent request 03 17 16 for 

additional info from petitioner.

Sodium chlorite addendum received 

05 05 16. Suff due 07 05 16. Petition 

found sufficient 06 07 16

Jun 7,

Aug 16

Fall 2016

Oat protein 

concentrate

205.606 EO N Petition sent to HS on 02 17 16. 

Response/request for TR due 05 11 

16. Petition found sufficient 04 05 

16. No new TR requested

May 17 Fall 2016

2018 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2016 Complete Review: Fall 2016

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled,

Discussed

Voted

Review 

Meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016
Animal enzymes 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016

Calcium sulfatemined205.605(a) TC No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jul 5 Fall 2016

Carrageenan 205.605(a) ZS Y Lmtd 

Scope

Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. Lmtd Scope TR 

sent to HS 01 22 16. HS sent for 

revision. Rvsd TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jul 5, and 

Aug 2

Fall 2016

Glucono deltalactone (GDL)205.605(a) TC Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jul 5 Fall 2016

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) AS N Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jul 5 Fall 2016

Cellulose 205.605(b) HA Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jun 21, Jul 5 Fall 2016

Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) AS Y Sunset date: 05/29/18. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 01 

22 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found sufficient 02 02 16

Jul 5 Fall 2016

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016

Colors: Betacarotene extract 205.606 JR No new 

TR

Sunset date: 05/29/18 Jun 21 Fall 2016

2019 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2017 Complete Review: Fall 2017

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Attapulgite 205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 Fall 2017

Bentonite 205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 “

Diatomaceous 

earth

205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 “

Nitrogen 205.605(a) LD N Jun 21 “
Sodium carbonate 205.605(a) LD N Jun 21 “

Acidified sodium 

chlorite

205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Calcium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Carbon dioxide 205.605(b) LD N Jun 21 “

Chlorine dioxide 205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Magnesium 

chloride

205.605(b) JR Low 

Priority

Jun 21 “

Potassium acid 

tartrate

205.605(b) JR Low 

priority

Jun 21 “

Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Sodium 

phosphates

205.605(b) JR/HA 2016 Phosphates - TR Request rec'd 

7/28/15; TR sent to HS on 

2/10/2016; TR found sufficient 

on 3/15/2016

Jun 21 “

Casings 205.606 JR N Jun 21 “

Konjac flour 205.606 SR N Jun 21 “

Pectin (nonamidated forms 

only)

205.606 TC N Jun 21 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

ZS Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development, expected Jul 2016

Disc Doc

Fall 2016

Xanthan Gum

Reclassification

ZS TR in development. TR request send to NOP 10 26 15. TR 

expected May 2016. TR sent to HS 04 22 16. Response due 06 21 

16. Review scheduled Jun 7. TR found sufficient 06 07 16. HS will 

not go forth with reclassification - Waiting for NOP re: how to 

finalize. NOP determined that a verbal update at the fall 2016 

meeting would suffice. HS will submit written update at fall 

meeting.

Fall 2016

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TF/? Review scheduled Jul 19 Fall 2016
Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

ZS Pending NOP Approval. Approved 1-12-16. Proposal. TBD

Phosphates 

annotation change

HA/JR Request to add to work agenda discussed on October 9 on ES call. 

TR request sent to NOP 07 28 15. Formal request for addition to 

agenda sent 11 24 15. Awaiting NOP approval. TR in development 

- estimated March 2016. TR sent to HS 02 11 16. TR suff due 04 

12 16. TR found sufficient 03 15 16.

Fall 2016

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts)

JR Pending NOP approval. NOP approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. TR expected Jul 2016. Proposal?

Fall 2016

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

JR HS requested addition of this. NOP approved 01 12 16, but 

delayed until after Classification guidance is published and TR is 

done. 

TBD

Peracetic acid 

205.601(a)

205.601(i)

TC Sunset date: 05 09 18. HS requested TR 07 21 15. TR in 

development as of Nov 2015. TR sent to HS 03 04 16. TR suff 04 

18 16. TR found suff 04 18 16. 

TBD

Research Priorities ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2016

- Celery Powder alternatives

Fall 2016

*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote

Agenda

• Approve notes from the June 7

• Carrageenan update

• Research priorities discussion (Due July 8th)

• Xanthan gum discussion

• 2019 Sunset materials - TR determinations

• 2018 Sunset materials

o Colors: Beta-carotene extract (JR) - discuss and vote

o Cellulose (HA) - discuss draft and ancillaries

o Tartaric acid (AS) - discuss and vote

o Potassium Hydroxide (AS) - discuss and vote

• Discuss "Other Projects" 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from June 7 were approved with no changes

• Update on TRs (JW). There are two outstanding TRs that are due in mid-July: Marine materials and

BPA (packaging substances). The TR for SDBS has not yet been initiated. It can be moved forward if 

there are no higher priorities.

• Carrageenan. Reference material presented during public comment at the spring 2016 meeting was 

requested by lead author, and should be available in early August. The group would like to be able 

to cite the paper, but since the researcher discussed the data at the spring meeting the 

Subcommittee has already incorporated it into their preliminary discussions. 

• Research priorities. The group discussed the draft list of research priorities, and what projects to 

retain, remove, or add. Members agreed that carrageenan and perhaps BPA could be removed 

since they are both already being researched. The Subcommittee is waiting for a TR on BPA and 
packaging materials that will help inform their decision to retain it or remove it from the priorities 

list. The group also chose to retain the project on consumer demand, which is more of a 

marketing/sociological project and not scientific research, as well as chlorine materials. 

• Xanthan gum. During a prior discussion, the HS determined that a reclassification of xanthan gum 

was not necessary and therefore will not proceed with this project. The HS would like to provide a 

written update at the meeting, so there is a written account of the project for the public and future 

Boards, in the event that it is revisited.

• Peracetic acid (TC). The TR was found sufficient but since it will not be reviewed until 2018, it will 

be removed from the work agenda for now.

• 2019 Sunset materials. The group discussed the 2019 sunset materials and determined the need 

for TRs’ See table above. 

• Animal Enzymes (LD). The NOP provided some additional information about whether any of the 

ancillary substances in the table that was included in the draft proposal are on the International 

Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) or the National Toxicology Program (NTP) lists. The lead will 

include the information regarding several ancillary substances (talc, asbestos, mineral oil) in the 

proposal.

• 2018 Sunset materials

o Colors: Beta-carotene extract (JR). The lead reviewed the material and comments from 

the public, and the Subcommittee proceeded to a vote.

Motion to remove beta-carotene extract from §205.606

Motion by: JR

Seconded by: AS 

Additional discussion: A member asked if they received any feedback about source and 

quality, since there were two different sources mentioned? i.e. does seaweed provide a 

richer color than carrots?

Yes: 2 No: 5 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0

o Cellulose (HA). The lead summarized the material, including the information gleaned from 

the 2016 TR, and ancillary substances. The group discussed uses of cellulose as anticaking 

agent. The vote was deferred to the next meeting in the interest of time. 

o Tartaric acid (AS). Deferred to next call

o Potassium Hydroxide (AS). Deferred to next call

• Other Projects. Deferred to next call

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

June 7, 2016

Agar agar (LD) - discuss and vote

Animal Enzymes (LD) - discuss and vote

Silicon dioxide (LD) - discuss and vote

Xanthan Gum (ZS) - reclassification

Sodium Chlorite (SR) - petition sufficiency 

Cellulose (HA) - discuss and vote
Research Priorities (All)

June 21, 2016

Research Priorities (Research Priorities (All))

Cellulose (HA) - discuss draft

Tartaric acid (AS) - discuss and vote

Potassium Hydroxide (AS) - discuss and vote

2019 Sunset materials - TR determinations

2018 Sunset materials - Colors: Beta-carotene extract (JR) - discuss and vote

July 5, 2016 

 Cellulose (HA) - discuss draft proposal

Tartaric acid (AS) - discuss and vote

Potassium Hydroxide (AS) - discuss and vote

Carrageenan (ZS) - discuss

Glucono delta-lactone (GDL) (TC) - discuss and vote

Calcium Sulfate (TC) - discuss and vote 

July 19, 2016

August 2, 2016

Carrageenan (ZS) - discuss and vote 

August 16, 2016 

Sodium Chlorite (SR) - discuss proposal

September 6, 2016 

September 20, 2016

October 4, 2016 

October 18, 2016 

November 1, 2016 

November 15, 2016

December 6, 2016 

December 20, 2016

Fall 2016 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment June/TBD

NOP - Complete fall 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Sept 8, 2016

NOSB - Fall 2016 proposals due to NOP Sept 14, 2016

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sept 27, 2016

Discuss work agendas on ES call Oct 14, 2016

Public comment closes Oct 26, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Nov 2, 2016

Public comment webinar Nov 3, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Nov 4, 2016 

Fall 2016 NOSB meeting - St Louis, MO Nov 16-18, 2016
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to 

or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or 

regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of substances used in 

organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Meeting Notes 

Tuesday, July 5, 2016 1:00 pm ET 

Present: Harold Austin, Chair (HA); Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); Zea Sonnabend (ZS); Ashley Swaffar (AS); Lisa 

de Lima (LD); Jean Richardson (JR); Tom Chapman (TC); Tracy Favre (TF) - observer

Absent: A-dae Briones (AB)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jessica Walden (JW)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed, 

Voted

Meeting

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

205.605(b) HA Y Petition sent to HS on 11 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

16. Petition found suff 12 01 15. No 

new TR will be requested. Referred 

back to HS at Apr 2016 NOSB 

meeting. TR request sent 05 18 16. 

TR in development.

TBD Fall 2016

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas, 

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 JR/SR Petition for chlorine dioxide dry gas 

sent to HS on 12 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 02 02 

16. HS sent request 03 17 16 for 

additional info from petitioner. 

Sodium chlorite addendum received 

05 05 16. Suff due 07 05 16. Petition 

found sufficient 06 07 16

Jun 7,

Aug 16

Fall 2016

Oat protein 

concentrate

205.606 EO N Petition sent to HS on 02 17 16. 

Response/request for TR due 05 11 

16. Petition found sufficient 04 05 

16. No new TR requested

May 17 Fall 2016

2018 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2016 Complete Review: Fall 2016

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled,

Discussed

Voted

Review 

Meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016
Animal enzymes 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016

Calcium sulfatemined205.605(a) TC No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Aug 2 Fall 2016

Carrageenan 205.605(a) ZS Y Lmtd 

Scope

Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. Lmtd Scope TR 

sent to HS 01 22 16. HS sent for 

revision. Rvsd TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jul 5, and 

Aug 2

Fall 2016

Glucono deltalactone (GDL)205.605(a) TC Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Aug 2 Fall 2016

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) AS N Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jul 5 Fall 2016

Cellulose 205.605(b) HA Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jun 21, Jul 5 Fall 2016

Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) AS Y Sunset date: 05/29/18. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 01 

22 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found sufficient 02 02 16

Jul 5 Fall 2016

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016

Colors: Betacarotene extract 205.606 JR No new 

TR

Sunset date: 05/29/18 Jun 21 Fall 2016

2019 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2017 Complete Review: Fall 2017

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed 

Review 

Meeting

Attapulgite 205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 Fall 2017

Bentonite 205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 “

Diatomaceous 

earth

205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 “

Nitrogen 205.605(a) LD N Jun 21 “
Sodium carbonate 205.605(a) LD N Jun 21 “

Acidified sodium 

chlorite

205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Calcium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Carbon dioxide 205.605(b) LD N Jun 21 “

Chlorine dioxide 205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Magnesium 

chloride

205.605(b) JR Y Jun 21 “

Potassium acid 

tartrate

205.605(b) JR Y Jun 21 “

Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Sodium 

phosphates

205.605(b) JR/HA 2016 Phosphates - TR Request rec'd 

7/28/15; TR sent to HS on 

2/10/2016; TR found sufficient 

on 3/15/2016

Jun 21 “

Casings 205.606 JR N Jun 21 “

Konjac flour 205.606 SR N Jun 21 “

Pectin (nonamidated forms 

only)

205.606 TC N Jun 21 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

ZS Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development, expected Jul 2016

Disc Doc

Fall 2016

Xanthan Gum

Reclassification

ZS TR in development. TR request send to NOP 10 26 15. TR 

expected May 2016. TR sent to HS 04 22 16. Response due 06 21 

16. Review scheduled Jun 7. TR found sufficient 06 07 16. HS will 

not go forth with reclassification - Waiting for NOP re: how to 

finalize. NOP determined that a verbal update at the fall 2016 

meeting would suffice. HS will submit written update at fall 

meeting.

Fall 2016

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TF/? Review scheduled Jul 19 Fall 2016
Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals - 

annotation change

ZS Pending NOP Approval. Approved 1-12-16. Proposal. TBD

Phosphates 

annotation change

HA/JR Request to add to work agenda discussed on October 9 on ES call. 

TR request sent to NOP 07 28 15. Formal request for addition to 

agenda sent 11 24 15. Awaiting NOP approval. TR in development 

- estimated March 2016. TR sent to HS 02 11 16. TR suff due 04 

12 16. TR found sufficient 03 15 16. 

Fall 2016

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts)

JR Pending NOP approval. NOP approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. TR expected Jul 2016. Discussion 

document

Fall 2016

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

JR HS requested addition of this. NOP approved 01 12 16, but 

delayed until after Classification guidance is published and TR is 

done. 

TBD

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2016

- Celery Powder alternatives

Fall 2016

*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote

Agenda

• Approve notes from the June 21 

• Recap Research Priorities

• Cellulose (HA) - discuss draft proposal

• Animal Enzymes (LD) - Discuss Ancillary re-write (already voted on)

• Tartaric acid (AS) - discuss and vote

• Potassium Hydroxide (AS) - discuss and vote

• Carrageenan (ZS) - discuss

• Glucono delta-lactone (GDL) (TC) - discuss and vote

• Calcium Sulfate (TC) - discuss and vote

• Sodium Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate (HA) - update on TR request, assign a new lead who will be on 

the Board in the spring of 2017

• Review workload

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from June 21 approved with no changes.

• Research Priorities. The group discussed the Handling research priorities including the following: 

updates to the topic of consumer demand, an as-yet-to-be-written priority for two chlorine 

materials, and celery powder alternatives. A member noted that there is an industry group 

currently working on alternatives to celery powder, and although the NOSB should keep it on the 

list of priorities, it could be a lower priority than others. The lead will incorporate the changes into 

the current Research Priorities document. 

• Cellulose (HA). The members discussed cellulose and will add some questions to the proposal 

regarding need, use, and ancillary substances. The lead will incorporate information regarding the 

ancillary substances mineral oil and natomycin. 
Motion to remove cellulose from §205.605(b) Cellulose - for use in regenerative casings, as an anticaking agent (non-chlorine bleached) and filtering aid.

Motion by: HA

Seconded by: LD 

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 1 No: 6 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0

• Animal Enzymes (LD). The lead modified the previous document (discussed and voted on during 

the June 7 call) to include information regarding ancillary substances. The group accepted the 

modifications and will submit the document as final.

• Tartaric acid (AS). The lead noted that tartaric acid has many uses, such as a pH control, a 

preservative, a stabilizer, in baked goods, and in wine. The group discussed its use in wine, as it is 

used both in making wine and as a product of wine-making. The HS added questions to the 

proposal regarding essentiality. 

Motion to remove tartaric acid from §205.605(a) 

Motion by: AS

Seconded by: ZS 

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 0 No: 7 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0 

• Potassium hydroxide (AS). The lead summarized the material and its uses. The proposal addresses 

public comment received during the Spring 2016 NOSB meeting, including the suggestion of an

annotation. 

Motion to remove potassium hydroxide from §205.605(b) 

Motion by: AS

Seconded by: SR

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 0 No: 7 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0

• Carrageenan (ZS). The lead circulated the Powerpoint presentation that was provided during the 

Spring 2016 NOSB meeting, and the group discussed the salient points. The group discussed 

necessity, environmental concerns, alternatives, consumer demand, and the scientific research. 

Members discussed the possibility of adding an annotation, and will explore this further on the 

August 2 call. 

• Glucono delta-lactone (GDL) (TC). Deferred to Aug 2

• Calcium Sulfate - mined (TC). Deferred to Aug 2

• Sodium Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate (HA). The TR is due in October, and because the current lead 

will rotate off the Board in January, asked for a volunteer to take over as lead reviewer. 

• Review workload. Deferred to next call. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes
Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

June 21, 2016

Research Priorities (All) 

Cellulose (HA) - discuss draft 

Tartaric acid (AS) - discuss and vote

Potassium Hydroxide (AS) - discuss and vote

2019 Sunset materials - TR determinations

2018 Sunset materials - Colors: Beta-carotene extract (JR) - discuss and vote

July 5, 2016 

 Cellulose (HA) - discuss draft proposal

Tartaric acid (AS) - discuss and vote

Potassium Hydroxide (AS) - discuss and vote

Carrageenan (ZS) - discuss

Glucono delta-lactone (GDL) (TC) - discuss and vote

Calcium Sulfate (TC) - discuss and vote 

July 19, 2016

Review workload

August 2, 2016

Glucono delta-lactone (GDL) (TC) - discuss and vote

Calcium Sulfate (TC) - discuss and vote 

Carrageenan (ZS) - discuss and vote 

Phosphates annotation change - discuss

August 16, 2016 

Sodium Chlorite (SR) - discuss proposal

September 6, 2016 

September 20, 2016

October 4, 2016 

October 18, 2016 

November 1, 2016 

November 15, 2016

December 6, 2016 

December 20, 2016

Fall 2016 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment June/TBD

NOP - Complete fall 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Sept 8, 2016

NOSB - Fall 2016 proposals due to NOP Sept 14, 2016

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sept 27, 2016

Discuss work agendas on ES call Oct 14, 2016

Public comment closes Oct 26, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Nov 2, 2016

Public comment webinar Nov 3, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Nov 4, 2016 
Fall 2016 NOSB meeting - St Louis, MO Nov 16-18, 2016
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to 

or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or 

regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of substances used in 

organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Meeting Notes 

Tuesday, July 19, 2016 1:00 pm ET 

Present: Harold Austin, Chair (HA); Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); Zea Sonnabend (ZS); Ashley Swaffar (AS); Lisa 

de Lima (LD); Jean Richardson (JR)

Absent: A-dae Briones (AB); Tom Chapman (TC)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jessica Walden (JW)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

205.605(b) HA/

LD

Y Petition sent to HS on 11 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

16. Petition found suff 12 01 15. No 

new TR will be requested. Referred 

back to HS at Apr 2016 NOSB 

meeting. TR request sent 05 18 16. 

TR in development.

TBD Spr 2017

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas, 

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 JR/SR N Petition for chlorine dioxide dry gas 

sent to HS on 12 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 02 02 

16. HS sent request 03 17 16 for 

additional info from petitioner.

Sodium chlorite addendum received 

05 05 16. Suff due 07 05 16. Petition 

found sufficient 06 07 16

Jun 7,

Aug 16

Fall 2016

Oat protein 

concentrate

205.606 EO N Petition sent to HS on 02 17 16. 

Response/request for TR due 05 11 

16. Petition found sufficient 04 05 

16. No new TR requested

May 17 Fall 2016

2018 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2016 Complete Review: Fall 2016

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled,

Discussed

Voted

Review 

Meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016
Animal enzymes 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016

Calcium sulfatemined205.605(a) TC No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Aug 2 Fall 2016

Carrageenan 205.605(a) ZS Y Lmtd 

Scope

Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. Lmtd Scope TR 

sent to HS 01 22 16. HS sent for 

revision. Rvsd TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jul 5, and 

Aug 2

Fall 2016

Glucono deltalactone (GDL)205.605(a) TC Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Aug 2 Fall 2016

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) AS N Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jul 5 Fall 2016

Cellulose 205.605(b) HA Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jun 21, Jul 5 Fall 2016

Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) AS Y Sunset date: 05/29/18. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 01 

22 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found sufficient 02 02 16

Jul 5 Fall 2016

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016

Colors: Betacarotene extract 205.606 JR No new 

TR

Sunset date: 05/29/18 Jun 21 Fall 2016

2019 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2017 Complete Review: Fall 2017

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Attapulgite 205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 Fall 2017

Bentonite 205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 “

Diatomaceous 

earth

205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 “

Nitrogen 205.605(a) LD N Jun 21 “
Sodium carbonate 205.605(a) LD N Jun 21 “

Acidified sodium 

chlorite

205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Calcium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Carbon dioxide 205.605(b) LD N Jun 21 “

Chlorine dioxide 205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Magnesium 

chloride

205.605(b) JR Y Jun 21 “

Potassium acid 

tartrate

205.605(b) JR Y Jun 21 “

Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Sodium 

phosphates

205.605(b) JR/HA 2016 Phosphates - TR Request rec'd 

7/28/15; TR sent to HS on 

2/10/2016; TR found sufficient 

on 3/15/2016

Jun 21 “

Casings 205.606 JR N Jun 21 “

Konjac flour 205.606 SR N Jun 21 “

Pectin (nonamidated forms 

only)

205.606 TC N Jun 21 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

ZS Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development, expected Jul 2016

Disc Doc

Fall 2016

Xanthan Gum

Reclassification

ZS TR in development. TR request send to NOP 10 26 15. TR 

expected May 2016. TR sent to HS 04 22 16. Response due 06 21 

16. Review scheduled Jun 7. TR found sufficient 06 07 16. HS will 

not go forth with reclassification - Waiting for NOP re: how to 

finalize. NOP determined that a verbal update at the fall 2016 

meeting would suffice. HS will submit written update at fall 

meeting.

Fall 2016

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TF/? Review scheduled Aug 2 Fall 2016
Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

ZS Pending NOP Approval. Approved 1-12-16. Proposal. TBD

Phosphates -

discussion doc.

Potential future 

annotation change?

HA/JR Request to add to work agenda discussed on October 9 on ES call. 

TR request sent to NOP 07 28 15. Formal request for addition to 

agenda sent 11 24 15. Awaiting NOP approval. TR in development 

- estimated March 2016. TR sent to HS 02 11 16. TR suff due 04 

12 16. TR found sufficient 03 15 16.

Fall 2016

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts)

JR Pending NOP approval. NOP approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. TR expected Jul 2016. Discussion 

Document

Fall 2016

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

JR HS requested addition of this. NOP approved 01 12 16, but 

delayed until after Classification guidance is published and TR is 

available. 

TBD

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2016

- Celery Powder alternatives

Fall 2016

*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote

Agenda

• Approve notes from the July 5

• Review workload for remaining calls

• Discuss status of open public comment period 

• Discuss NOP work agenda items 

• Follow up re: Exec call and FOIA discussion 

• Tocopherol discussion (TF/?) - discuss proposal

• SDBS (HA) -discuss TR and re-assigning this material.

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from July 5 were approved with a change to the document type for the phosphates

annotation change.

• Workload review for remaining calls. 

o SDBS - TR is in development. LD volunteered to take over as lead reviewer when HA rotates 

off the NOSB in January. 

o BPA - TR is in development and was due at the beginning of July, but not yet received. 

o Xanthan gum reclassification. The HS will prepare a written paragraph, which will be 

posted with the other proposals.

o Phosphates - Discussion is scheduled for August 2, but the HS will discuss the preliminary 

draft (see below for discussion)

o NVM (ZS) - Discussion deferred to later call

o Magnesium chloride (JR) - NOP has sent TR out for bids and it has not yet been contracted. 

o Tocopherols (TF) - TR in development

o Carrageenan (ZS) - Discussion and vote scheduled for Aug 2 and possibly Aug 16. 

o Marine materials (JR) - TR is in development and was due at the beginning of July, but not 

yet received. 
• Open public comment period - The Federal register notice is in clearance and should publish in the 

next 1-2 weeks.

• NOP work agenda items (Operating Plan). Once it is completed, the plan will be sent to the NOSB 

for feedback on additional priorities. The Subcommittees were invited to suggest 1-2 top priority 

items for 2017 or beyond.

• Follow up re: Exec call and FOIA discussion. The Chair briefly summarized the FOIA process and 

relayed the information to the Subcommittee members about FOIA requests regarding Board 

related deliberative documents.

• Tocopherol discussion (TF/?) - Discussion deferred

• Phosphates - preliminary discussion. The lead circulated a draft document and opened up a 

dialogue. HS members discussed the document and suggested some edits to the questions. The 

lead will incorporate the changes and recirculate the updated draft for the next HS call. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

July 5, 2016 

 Cellulose (HA) - discuss draft proposal

Tartaric acid (AS) - discuss and vote

Potassium Hydroxide (AS) - discuss and vote

Carrageenan (ZS) - discuss

Glucono delta-lactone (GDL) (TC) - discuss and vote

Calcium Sulfate (TC) - discuss and vote

July 19, 2016

Review workload

Phosphates annotation change - preliminary discussion

August 2, 2016

Glucono delta-lactone (GDL) (TC) - discuss and vote

Calcium Sulfate (TC) - discuss and vote

Carrageenan (ZS) - discuss and vote

Phosphates annotation change - discussion

Tocopherols (TF) - discussion

August 16, 2016 

Sodium Chlorite (SR) - discuss proposal

Marine materials (marine algae and extracts) discussion document - preliminary discussion

September 6, 2016 

September 20, 2016

October 4, 2016 

October 18, 2016 

November 1, 2016 

November 15, 2016

December 6, 2016 

December 20, 2016
Fall 2016 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment June/TBD

NOP - Complete fall 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Sept 8, 2016

NOSB - Fall 2016 proposals due to NOP Sept 14, 2016

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sept 27, 2016

Discuss work agendas on ES call Oct 14, 2016

Public comment closes Oct 26, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Nov 2, 2016

Public comment webinar Nov 3, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Nov 4, 2016 

Fall 2016 NOSB meeting - St Louis, MO Nov 16-18, 2016
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to 

or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or 

regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of substances used in 

organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Meeting Notes 

Tuesday, August 2, 2016 1:00 pm ET 

Present: Harold Austin, Chair (HA); Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); Zea Sonnabend (ZS); Ashley Swaffar (AS); Lisa 

de Lima (LD); Jean Richardson (JR); Tom Chapman (TC); Harriet Behar (HB) - observing

Absent: A-dae Briones (AB)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jessica Walden (JW)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

205.605(b) HA/

LD

Y Petition sent to HS on 11 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

16. Petition found suff 12 01 15. No 

new TR will be requested. Referred 

back to HS at Apr 2016 NOSB 

meeting. TR request sent 05 18 16. 

TR in development.

TBD Spr 2017

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas, 

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 JR/SR N Petition for chlorine dioxide dry gas 

sent to HS on 12 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 02 02 

16. HS sent request 03 17 16 for 

additional info from petitioner.

Sodium chlorite addendum received 

05 05 16. Suff due 07 05 16. Petition 

found sufficient 06 07 16

Jun 7,

Aug 16

Fall 2016

Oat protein 

concentrate

205.606 EO N Petition sent to HS on 02 17 16. 

Response/request for TR due 05 11 

16. Petition found sufficient 04 05 

16. No new TR requested

May 17 Fall 2016

2018 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2016 Complete Review: Fall 2016

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled,

Discussed

Voted

Review 

Meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016

Animal enzymes 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016
Calcium sulfatemined

205.605(a) TC No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Aug 2 Fall 2016

Carrageenan 205.605(a) ZS Y Lmtd 

Scope

Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. Lmtd Scope TR 

sent to HS 01 22 16. HS sent for 

revision. Rvsd TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jul 5,

Aug 2, 

Aug 16

Fall 2016

Glucono deltalactone (GDL)205.605(a) TC Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Aug 2 Fall 2016

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) AS N Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jul 5 Fall 2016

Cellulose 205.605(b) HA Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jun 21, Jul 5 Fall 2016

Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) AS Y Sunset date: 05/29/18. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 01 

22 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found sufficient 02 02 16

Jul 5 Fall 2016

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016

Colors: Betacarotene extract 205.606 JR No new 

TR

Sunset date: 05/29/18 Jun 21 Fall 2016

2019 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2017 Complete Review: Fall 2017

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Attapulgite 205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 Fall 2017

Bentonite 205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 “

Diatomaceous 

earth

205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 “

Nitrogen 205.605(a) LD N Jun 21 “

Sodium carbonate 205.605(a) LD N Jun 21 “
Acidified sodium 

chlorite

205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Calcium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Carbon dioxide 205.605(b) LD N Jun 21 “

Chlorine dioxide 205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Magnesium 

chloride

205.605(b) JR Y Jun 21 “

Potassium acid 

tartrate

205.605(b) JR Y Jun 21 “

Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Sodium 

phosphates

205.605(b) JR/HA 2016 Phosphates - TR Request rec'd 

7/28/15; TR sent to HS on 

2/10/2016; TR found sufficient 

on 3/15/2016

Jun 21 “

Casings 205.606 JR N Jun 21 “

Konjac flour 205.606 SR N Jun 21 “

Pectin (nonamidated forms 

only)

205.606 TC N Jun 21 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

ZS Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development, expected Jul 2016

Disc Doc

Fall 2016

Xanthan Gum

Reclassification

ZS TR in development. TR request send to NOP 10 26 15. TR 

expected May 2016. TR sent to HS 04 22 16. Response due 06 21 

16. Review scheduled Jun 7. TR found sufficient 06 07 16. HS will 

not go forth with reclassification - Waiting for NOP re: how to 

finalize. NOP determined that a verbal update at the fall 2016 

meeting would suffice. HS will submit written update at fall 

meeting.

Fall 2016

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TF/? Review scheduled Aug 16 Fall 2016

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

ZS Pending NOP Approval. Approved 1-12-16. Proposal. TBD
Phosphates -

discussion doc.

Potential future 

annotation change?

HA/JR Request to add to work agenda discussed on October 9 on ES call. 

TR request sent to NOP 07 28 15. Formal request for addition to 

agenda sent 11 24 15. Awaiting NOP approval. TR in development 

- estimated March 2016. TR sent to HS 02 11 16. TR suff due 04 

12 16. TR found sufficient 03 15 16.

Fall 2016

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts)

JR Pending NOP approval. NOP approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. TR expected Jul 2016. Discussion 

Document

Fall 2016

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

JR HS requested addition of this. NOP approved 01 12 16, but 

delayed until after Classification guidance is published and TR is 

available. 

TBD

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2016

- Celery Powder alternatives

Fall 2016

*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote

Agenda

• Approve notes from the July 19

• Glucono delta-lactone (GDL) (TC) - discuss and vote

• Calcium Sulfate (TC) - discuss and vote

• Carrageenan (ZS) - discuss and vote

• Phosphates annotation change - discussion

• Tocopherols (TF) - discussion

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from July 19 approved with one change to the entry for phosphates. The HS will present a 

discussion document at the Fall 2016 meeting, and will not propose an annotation change. 

• Glucono delta-lactone (GDL) (TC). GDL is used in tofu manufacture. The lead noted that the 

comments were fairly straight forward, although some commenters had concerns about the use of 

the GMO substrate in some production methods. The HS considers this substance to satisfy OFPA 

criteria and support retaining it on the National List. 

Motion to remove glucono delta-lactone (GDL) from the National List. 

Motion by: TC

Seconded by: AS 

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 0 No: 6 Abstain: 1 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0 

• Calcium Sulfate (TC). The lead summarized the material and noted it is similar to gypsum. Calcium 

sulfate is used in tofu manufacture, as well as a host of other things. The lead summarized the 

public comment and indicated that there have been no changes in use to warrant removal. The HS 

proceeded to a vote.

Motion to remove calcium sulfate from the National List. 

Motion by: TC
Seconded by: AS

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 0 No: 7 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0

• Carrageenan (ZS). The lead summarized the draft proposal and an analysis of the scientific 

literature. The HS requested many articles that were cited by various public commenters, and the 

group discussed the accuracy of the science. Members discussed the pertinent OFPA criteria, the 

regulation, and alternatives. Several members will provide modified language to the proposal, and 

the lead will complete the draft document for voting on the next call. 

• Phosphates (JR). The lead circulated a revised version of the draft document and the group 

discussed the suggested edits. There were no substantive changes since the last draft, and some 

questions were eliminated to make it more useful for public comment. The lead will make 

additional edits based on today’s discussion and will recirculate the document. The HS will vote on 

the next call. 

• Tocopherols (TF). Deferred to next call.

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

July 19, 2016

Review workload

Phosphates annotation change - preliminary discussion

August 2, 2016

Glucono delta-lactone (GDL) (TC) - discuss and vote

Calcium Sulfate (TC) - discuss and vote

Carrageenan (ZS) - discuss and vote

Phosphates - discussion

Tocopherols (TF) - discussion

August 16, 2016 

Carrageenan (ZS) - discuss and vote

Tocopherols (TF) - discussion

Phosphates - discussion and vote

Sodium chlorite (SR) - discuss proposal

September 6, 2016 

Marine materials (marine algae and extracts) discussion document - preliminary discussion

September 20, 2016

October 4, 2016 

October 18, 2016 

November 1, 2016 

November 15, 2016 - cancelled

December 6, 2016 

December 20, 2016
Fall 2016 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Aug 1, 2016

NOP - Complete fall 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Sep 8, 2016

NOSB - Fall 2016 proposals due to NOP Sep 14, 2016

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 27, 2016

Discuss work agendas on ES call Oct 14, 2016

Public comment closes Oct 26, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Nov 2, 2016

Public comment webinar Nov 3, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Nov 4, 2016 

Fall 2016 NOSB meeting - St Louis, MO Nov 16-18, 2016
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to 

or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or 

regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of substances used in 

organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Meeting Notes 

Tuesday, August 16, 2016 1:00 pm ET 

Present: Harold Austin, Chair (HA); Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); Zea Sonnabend (ZS); Ashley Swaffar (AS); Lisa 

de Lima (LD); Jean Richardson (JR); A-dae Briones (AB): Harriet Behar (HB) - observer; Tracy Favre (TF) -

observer

Absent: Tom Chapman (TC)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jessica Walden (JW)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

205.605(b) HA/

LD

Y Petition sent to HS on 11 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

16. Petition found suff 12 01 15. No 

new TR will be requested. Referred 

back to HS at Apr 2016 NOSB 

meeting. TR request sent 05 18 16. 

TR in development.

TBD Spr 2017

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 JR/SR N Petition for chlorine dioxide dry gas 

sent to HS on 12 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 02 02 

16. HS sent request 03 17 16 for 

additional info from petitioner.

Sodium chlorite addendum received 

05 05 16. Suff due 07 05 16. Petition 

found sufficient 06 07 16

Jun 7,

Aug 16

Fall 2016

Oat protein 

concentrate

205.606 EO N Petition sent to HS on 02 17 16. 

Response/request for TR due 05 11 

16. Petition found sufficient 04 05 

16. No new TR requested

May 17 Fall 2016

2018 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2016 Complete Review: Fall 2016

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled,

Discussed

Voted

Review 

Meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016
Animal enzymes 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016

Calcium sulfatemined205.605(a) TC No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Aug 2 Fall 2016

Carrageenan 205.605(a) ZS Y Lmtd 

Scope

Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. Lmtd Scope TR 

sent to HS 01 22 16. HS sent for 

revision. Rvsd TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jul 5,

Aug 2, 

Aug 16

Fall 2016

Glucono deltalactone (GDL)205.605(a) TC Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Aug 2 Fall 2016

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) AS N Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jul 5 Fall 2016

Cellulose 205.605(b) HA Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jun 21, Jul 5 Fall 2016

Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) AS Y Sunset date: 05/29/18. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 01 

22 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found sufficient 02 02 16

Jul 5 Fall 2016

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016

Colors: Betacarotene extract 205.606 JR No new 

TR

Sunset date: 05/29/18 Jun 21 Fall 2016

2019 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2017 Complete Review: Fall 2017

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Attapulgite 205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 Fall 2017

Bentonite 205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 “

Diatomaceous 

earth

205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 “

Nitrogen 205.605(a) LD N Jun 21 “
Sodium carbonate 205.605(a) LD N Jun 21 “

Acidified sodium 

chlorite

205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Calcium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Carbon dioxide 205.605(b) LD N Jun 21 “

Chlorine dioxide 205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Magnesium 

chloride

205.605(b) JR Y Jun 21 “

Potassium acid 

tartrate

205.605(b) JR Y Jun 21 “

Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Sodium 

phosphates

205.605(b) JR/HA 2016 Phosphates - TR Request rec'd 

7/28/15; TR sent to HS on 

2/10/2016; TR found sufficient 

on 3/15/2016

Jun 21 “

Casings 205.606 JR N Jun 21 “

Konjac flour 205.606 SR N Jun 21 “

Pectin (nonamidated forms 

only)

205.606 TC N Jun 21 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

ZS Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development, expected Aug 2016

Disc Doc

Spring 2017

Xanthan Gum

Reclassification

ZS TR in development. TR request send to NOP 10 26 15. TR 

expected May 2016. TR sent to HS 04 22 16. Response due 06 21 

16. Review scheduled Jun 7. TR found sufficient 06 07 16. HS will 

not go forth with reclassification - Waiting for NOP re: how to 

finalize. NOP determined that a verbal update at the fall 2016 

meeting would suffice. HS will submit written update at fall 

meeting.

Fall 2016

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TF/? Review scheduled Sep 6 Fall 2016
Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

ZS Pending NOP Approval. Approved 1-12-16. Proposal. TBD

Phosphates -

discussion doc.

Potential future 

annotation change?

HA/JR Request to add to work agenda discussed on October 9 on ES call. 

TR request sent to NOP 07 28 15. Formal request for addition to 

agenda sent 11 24 15. Awaiting NOP approval. TR in development 

- estimated March 2016. TR sent to HS 02 11 16. TR suff due 04 

12 16. TR found sufficient 03 15 16. Vote: 08 16 16

Fall 2016

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts). Discussion 

doc

JR Pending NOP approval. NOP approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. TR expected Jul 2016. TR sent to 

HS 08 10 16. TR suff due 10 11 16

Fall 2016

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

JR HS requested addition of this. NOP approved 01 12 16, but 

delayed until after Classification guidance is published and TR is 

available. 

TBD

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2016

- Celery Powder alternatives

Fall 2016

NOP operating plan 

suggestions

ALL NA

*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote

Agenda

• Approve notes from the August 2

• Tocopherols (TF) - discussion only

• Sodium Chlorite (SR) - discuss proposal and vote if ready

• Carrageenan (ZS) - discuss and vote

• Phosphates (HA) - discuss and vote on document 

• BPA and Marine Materials - Discuss status and possible alternative time tables while TRs are still in 

development. 

• Xanthan Gum - discuss written update for Fall 2016 meeting

• NOPs operating Plan - Discuss NOP's request for feedback and guidance 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from August 2 were approved with no changes.

• Tocopherols (TF). Currently tocopherols are listed at 205.605(b) as synthetic. The lead summarized 

the justification for re-classification of tocopherols, and the intention to add it to 205.605(a). The 

Subcommittee feels this is a worthy project, and although it is not urgent, the proposal is in 

development, and the HS will complete it for the Fall 2016 meeting. 

• Sodium Chlorite (SR). The lead summarized the petition, and highlighted the difference between 

the current petition and the previous submission. Sodium chlorite is being petitioned for 

application as a gas into an enclosed storage area to prevent spoilage and pathogens. A member 

suggested the addition of citations to the proposal from the TR/petition. Another member added 

that there is acidified sodium chlorite on the list used for this purpose, but that sodium chlorite 

may be a better alternative to it. The lead author will add citations, add the votes, and resend to 

the document to the Subcommittee for review. The HS proceeded to a vote. 
Motion to classify sodium chlorite for the generation of chlorine dioxide gas as synthetic, nonagricultural

Motion by: SR

Seconded by: JR 

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 7 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0 

Motion to add sodium chlorite for the generation of chlorine dioxide gas, as petitioned, at 

§205.605(b)

Motion by: SR

Seconded by: AS 

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 7 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0 

• Phosphates (HA). The lead modified the document as discussed during the last call and the group

moved to a vote. 

Motion to send the discussion document on phosphates to the full Board for consideration. 

Motion by: JR

Seconded by: AS 

Additional discussion: 

Yes: 7 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0 

• Carrageenan (ZS). The Handling Subcommittee reviewed the draft document that contained 

suggestions and edits from members. The group modified some language in the current document. 

Members discussed an annotation regarding the use in gel caps, so if the NOSB votes to allow 

carageenan to remain on the National List, then a member may bring forth a petition to annotate. 

Alternatively, if the NOSB votes to remove it, it could be re-petitioned for specific uses only.

Motion to remove Carrageenan from §205.605(a) based on OFPA criteria [§6518(m)(6)] -

availability of alternatives.

Motion by: ZS

Seconded by: AS

Additional discussion: Members discussed the justification in the proposal for alternatives, and felt 

that although it is mentioned, it was not emphasized.

Yes: 5 No: 2 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0 

• BPA and Marine Materials. The TR for BPA is overdue, and it will likely not be available in time to 

complete a discussion document for the Fall 2016 meeting. The TR for marine materials was 

recently sent to the HS and the lead noted that from a cursory review it is adequate. The group will 

discuss this further on the next call. 

• Xanthan Gum. Deferred to next call.

• NOPs operating Plan. Deferred to next call.

• The meeting was adjourned
Previous HS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

August 2, 2016

Glucono delta-lactone (GDL) (TC) - discuss and vote

Calcium Sulfate (TC) - discuss and vote

Carrageenan (ZS) - discuss and vote

Phosphates - discussion

Tocopherols (TF) - discussion

August 16, 2016 

Carrageenan (ZS) - discuss and vote

Tocopherols (TF) - discussion

Phosphates - discussion and vote

Sodium chlorite (SR) - discuss proposal

September 6, 2016 

Tocopherols (TF) - discuss proposal and vote

Marine materials (marine algae and extracts) discussion document - preliminary discussion, TR 

 sufficiency

Xanthan Gum - discuss written update for Fall 2016 meeting

NOPs operating Plan - Discuss NOP's request for feedback and guidance 

September 20, 2016

October 4, 2016 

October 18, 2016 

November 1, 2016 

November 15, 2016 - cancelled (NOSB Meeting)

December 6, 2016 

December 20, 2016

Fall 2016 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Aug 1, 2016

NOP - Complete fall 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Sep 8, 2016

NOSB - Fall 2016 proposals due to NOP Sep 14, 2016

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 27, 2016

Discuss work agendas on ES call Oct 14, 2016

Public comment closes Oct 26, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Nov 2, 2016

Public comment webinar Nov 3, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Nov 4, 2016 

Fall 2016 NOSB meeting - St Louis, MO Nov 16-18, 2016
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to 

or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or 

regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of substances used in 

organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Meeting Notes 

Tuesday, September 6, 2016 1:00 pm ET 

Present: Harold Austin, Chair (HA); Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); Zea Sonnabend (ZS); Ashley Swaffar (AS); Lisa 

de Lima (LD); Jean Richardson (JR); A-dae Briones (AB); Tom Chapman (TC); Tracy Favre (TF); Harriet Behar 

(HB) - observer

Absent: Michelle Arsenault (MA)

Staff: Jessica Walden (JW); Devon Pattillo (DP)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

205.605(b) HA/

LD

Y Petition sent to HS on 11 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

16. Petition found suff 12 01 15. No 

new TR will be requested. Referred 

back to HS at Apr 2016 NOSB 

meeting. TR request sent 05 18 16. 

TR in development.

TBD Spr 2017

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 JR/SR N Petition for chlorine dioxide dry gas 

sent to HS on 12 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 02 02 

16. HS sent request 03 17 16 for 

additional info from petitioner.

Sodium chlorite addendum received 

05 05 16. Suff due 07 05 16. Petition 

found sufficient 06 07 16

Jun 7,

Aug 16

Fall 2016

Oat protein 

concentrate

205.606 EO N Petition sent to HS on 02 17 16. 

Response/request for TR due 05 11 

16. Petition found sufficient 04 05 

16. No new TR requested

May 17 Fall 2016

L-Methionine 205.605 TF Petition sent to HS on 08 25 16. 

Response/request for TR due 10 24 

16.

TBD TBD

2018 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2016 Complete Review: Fall 2016

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled,

Discussed

Voted

Review 

Meeting
Agar-agar 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016

Animal enzymes 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016

Calcium sulfatemined205.605(a) TC No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Aug 2 Fall 2016

Carrageenan 205.605(a) ZS Y Lmtd 

Scope

Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. Lmtd Scope TR 

sent to HS 01 22 16. HS sent for 

revision. Rvsd TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jul 5,

Aug 2, 

Aug 16

Fall 2016

Glucono deltalactone (GDL)205.605(a) TC Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Aug 2 Fall 2016

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) AS N Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jul 5 Fall 2016

Cellulose 205.605(b) HA Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jun 21, Jul 5 Fall 2016

Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) AS Y Sunset date: 05/29/18. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 01 

22 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found sufficient 02 02 16

Jul 5 Fall 2016

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016

Colors: Betacarotene extract 205.606 JR No new 

TR

Sunset date: 05/29/18 Jun 21 Fall 2016

2019 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2017 Complete Review: Fall 2017

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Attapulgite 205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 Fall 2017

Bentonite 205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 “

Diatomaceous 

earth

205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 “
Nitrogen 205.605(a) LD N Jun 21 “

Sodium carbonate 205.605(a) LD N Jun 21 “

Acidified sodium 

chlorite

205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Calcium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Carbon dioxide 205.605(b) LD N Jun 21 “

Chlorine dioxide 205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Magnesium 

chloride

205.605(b) JR Y Jun 21 “

Potassium acid 

tartrate

205.605(b) JR Y Jun 21 “

Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Sodium 

phosphates

205.605(b) JR/HA 2016 Phosphates - TR Request rec'd 

7/28/15; TR sent to HS on 

2/10/2016; TR found sufficient 

on 3/15/2016

Jun 21 “

Casings 205.606 JR N Jun 21 “

Konjac flour 205.606 SR N Jun 21 “

Pectin (nonamidated forms 

only)

205.606 TC N Jun 21 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

ZS Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development, expected mid-Sept

Disc Doc

Spr 2017

Xanthan Gum

Reclassification

ZS TR in development. TR request send to NOP 10 26 15. TR 

expected May 2016. TR sent to HS 04 22 16. Response due 06 21 

16. Review scheduled Jun 7. TR found sufficient 06 07 16. HS will 

not go forth with reclassification - Waiting for NOP re: how to 

finalize. NOP determined that a verbal update at the fall 2016 

meeting would suffice. HS will submit written update at fall 

meeting.

Fall 2016
Tocopherols 

Reclassification + 

addition to 

205.605(a)

TF/? Review scheduled 9/6/16. Voted 09 06 16. Fall 2016

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

ZS Pending NOP Approval. Approved 1-12-16. Proposal. TBD

Phosphates -

discussion doc.

Potential future 

annotation change?

HA/JR Request to add to work agenda discussed on October 9 on ES call. 

TR request sent to NOP 07 28 15. Formal request for addition to 

agenda sent 11 24 15. Awaiting NOP approval. TR in development 

- estimated March 2016. TR sent to HS 02 11 16. TR suff due 04 

12 16. TR found sufficient 03 15 16. Vote: 08 16 16

Fall 2016

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts). Discussion 

doc

JR Pending NOP approval. NOP approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. TR expected Jul 2016. TR sent to 

HS 08 10 16. TR suff due 10 11 16. TR found sufficient 09 06 16. 

Voted 09 06 16.

Fall 2016

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

JR HS requested addition of this. NOP approved 01 12 16, but 

delayed until after Classification guidance is published and TR is 

available. 

TBD

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2016

- Celery Powder alternatives

Fall 2016

NOP operating plan 

suggestions

ALL NA

*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote

Agenda

• Approve August 16 notes

• Tocopherols (TF) - discuss proposal and vote

• Marine materials (marine algae and extracts) discussion document - preliminary discussion, TR 

sufficiency

• Xanthan Gum - discuss written update for Fall 2016 meeting

• NOP’s operating Plan - Discuss NOP's request for feedback and guidance 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from August 16 were approved with no changes.

• Tocopherols (TF). The group discussed the proposal and reasons for listing tocopherols at both

§205.605(a) and §205.605(b) of the National List, including intent to encourage use of natural (vs. 

synthetic) tocopherols. Members discussed whether the same annotation from §205.605(b) was 

appropriate for section §205.605(a), and it was decided that it was not necessary at §205.605(a). 

Additionally, members discussed the current annotation at §205.605(b), and it was decided that TF 

would develop a separate proposal to revise the annotation at §205.605(b). The separate proposal

that will consider changes to the annotation at §205.605(b) will be circulated to the HS by email, 

and votes are due back from members by September 12. 
Motion to list tocopherols at §205.605(a).

Motion by: SR

Seconded by: JR

Yes: 8 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0 

ABS note: The proposal that will consider changes to the annotation at §205.605(b) was circulated 

to the HS via email. Motion and votes are recorded below:

Motion to amend the annotation for Tocopherols listed at §205.605(b) of the National List to read 

as follows: Tocopherols – Derived from vegetable oil. 

Motion by: TF

Seconded by: AS

Yes: 8 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0

• Xanthan Gum (ZS). The lead discussed the brief write up for the Fall 2016 meeting. She will send 

the final version to the Chair for submission to the NOP for posting to the website. 

• Carageenan (ZS). Members briefly discussed the status of the carrageenan proposal for the Fall 

2016 meeting. Final changes will be made to the document, per amendments suggested by other 

members, and it will be submitted to the NOP for posting to the website. 

• Marine materials (marine algae and extracts) (JR). The lead discussed the technical report (TR) and 

recommended the TR be deemed sufficient. She proceeded to discuss the discussion document and 

intent to gather input from stakeholders. Questions to include in the document were discussed. A 

member asked how this work would be coordinated with the Crops Subcommittee (CS), as the CS 

also has this item on their work agenda and could build upon work by the Handling Subcommittee 

(HS). A member requested that any impact to livestock should be noted specifically, and the lead 

author agreed to update the document. 

Motion to accept the discussion document on marine materials (marine algae and extracts)

Motion by: JR

Seconded by: AS

Yes: 9 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 0 Recuse: 0

(Note: TC joined call following first vote of the HS meeting)

• L-Methionine Petition. Members briefly discussed this new petition that would expand the use of 

L-methionine beyond those uses already recommended by NOSB. The Livestock Subcommittee 

made a recommendation for L-Methionine, for which they are awaiting action by NOP. A lead was 

designated for the petition review (TF). 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

September 6, 2016 
Tocopherols (TF) - discuss proposal and vote

Marine materials (marine algae and extracts) discussion document - preliminary discussion, TR 

 sufficiency

Xanthan Gum - discuss written update for Fall 2016 meeting

September 20, 2016

October 4, 2016 

October 18, 2016 

November 1, 2016 

November 15, 2016 - cancelled (NOSB Meeting)

December 6, 2016 

December 20, 2016

Fall 2016 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Aug 1, 2016

NOP - Complete fall 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Sep 8, 2016

NOSB - Fall 2016 proposals due to NOP Sep 14, 2016

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 27, 2016

Discuss work agendas on ES call Oct 14, 2016

Public comment closes Oct 26, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Nov 2, 2016

Public comment webinar Nov 3, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Nov 4, 2016 

Fall 2016 NOSB meeting - St Louis, MO Nov 16-18, 2016
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to 

or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or 

regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of substances used in 

organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Meeting Notes 

Tuesday, October 4, 2016 1:00 pm ET

Present: Harold Austin, Chair (HA); Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); Ashley Swaffar (AS); Lisa de Lima (LD); Tom 

Chapman (TC); Tracy Favre (TF); A-dae Briones (AB); Zea Sonnabend (ZS); Jesse Buie (JB) - observer; Harriet 

Behar (HB) - observer

Absent: Jean Richardson (JR)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jessica Walden (JW)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

205.605(b) HA/

LD

Y Petition sent to HS on 11 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

16. Petition found suff 12 01 15. No 

new TR will be requested. Referred 

back to HS at Apr 2016 NOSB 

meeting. TR request sent 05 18 16. 

TR in development - Expected late 

Oct 2016

TBD Spr 2017

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 JR/SR N Petition for chlorine dioxide dry gas 

sent to HS on 12 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 02 02 

16. HS sent request 03 17 16 for 

additional info from petitioner.

Sodium chlorite addendum received 

05 05 16. Suff due 07 05 16. Petition 

found sufficient 06 07 16

Jun 7,

Aug 16

Fall 2016

Oat protein 

concentrate

205.606 EO N Petition sent to HS on 02 17 16. 

Response/request for TR due 05 11 

16. Petition found sufficient 04 05 

16. No new TR requested

May 17 Fall 2016

L-Methionine 205.605 TF N Petition sent to HS on 08 25 16. 

Response/request for TR due 10 24 

16. Petition found suff 10 04 16. No 

new TR

Oct 4 Spr 2017
2018 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2016 Complete Review: Fall 2016

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled,

Discussed

Voted

Review 

Meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016

Animal enzymes 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016

Calcium sulfatemined205.605(a) TC No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Aug 2 Fall 2016

Carrageenan 205.605(a) ZS Y Lmtd 

Scope

Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. Lmtd Scope TR 

sent to HS 01 22 16. HS sent for 

revision. Rvsd TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jul 5,

Aug 2, 

Aug 16

Fall 2016

Glucono deltalactone (GDL)205.605(a) TC Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Aug 2 Fall 2016

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) AS N Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jul 5 Fall 2016

Cellulose 205.605(b) HA Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jun 21, Jul 5 Fall 2016

Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) AS Y Sunset date: 05/29/18. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 01 

22 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found sufficient 02 02 16

Jul 5 Fall 2016

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016

Colors: Betacarotene extract 205.606 JR No new 

TR

Sunset date: 05/29/18 Jun 21 Fall 2016

2019 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2017 Complete Review: Fall 2017

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting
Attapulgite 205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 Fall 2017

Bentonite 205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 “

Diatomaceous 

earth

205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 “

Nitrogen 205.605(a) LD N Jun 21 “

Sodium carbonate 205.605(a) LD N Jun 21 “

Acidified sodium 

chlorite

205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Calcium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Carbon dioxide 205.605(b) LD N Jun 21 “

Chlorine dioxide 205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Magnesium 

chloride

205.605(b) JR Y Jun 21 “

Potassium acid 

tartrate

205.605(b) JR Y Jun 21 “

Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Sodium 

phosphates

205.605(b) JR/HA 2016 Phosphates - TR Request rec'd 

7/28/15; TR sent to HS on 

2/10/2016; TR found sufficient 

on 3/15/2016

Jun 21 “

Casings 205.606 JR N Jun 21 “

Konjac flour 205.606 SR N Jun 21 “

Pectin (nonamidated forms 

only)

205.606 TC N Jun 21 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

ZS/LD Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development, expected mid-Sep -

delayed. TR received 9/30/16. In review by the program.

Disc Doc

Spr 2017

Xanthan Gum

Reclassification

ZS TR in development. TR request send to NOP 10 26 15. TR 

expected May 2016. TR sent to HS 04 22 16. Response due 06 21 

Fall 2016
16. Review scheduled Jun 7. TR found sufficient 06 07 16. HS will 

not go forth with reclassification - Waiting for NOP re: how to 

finalize. NOP determined that a verbal update at the fall 2016 

meeting would suffice. HS will submit written update at fall 

meeting.

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TF Review scheduled 9/6/16. Voted 09 06 16. Fall 2016

Tocopherols. 

Additional Listing @ 

205.605(a)

TF Voted 09 06 16. Fall 2016

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

ZS Pending NOP Approval. Approved 01 12 16. Proposal. On hold. TBD

Phosphates -

discussion doc.

Potential future 

annotation change?

HA/JR Request to add to work agenda discussed on October 9 on ES call. 

TR request sent to NOP 07 28 15. Formal request for addition to 

agenda sent 11 24 15. Awaiting NOP approval. TR in development 

- estimated March 2016. TR sent to HS 02 11 16. TR suff due 04 

12 16. TR found sufficient 03 15 16. Vote: 08 16 16

Fall 2016

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts). Discussion 

doc

JR Pending NOP approval. NOP approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. TR expected Jul 2016. TR sent to 

HS 08 10 16. TR suff due 10 11 16. TR found sufficient 09 06 16. 

Voted 09 06 16.

Fall 2016

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

JR HS requested addition of this. NOP approved 01 12 16, but 

delayed until after classification guidance is published and TR is 

available. 

TBD

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2016

- Celery Powder alternatives

Fall 2016

NOP operating plan 

suggestions

ALL NA

*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote

Agenda

• Approve September 6 notes

• L-Methionine - Petition sufficiency, TR request

• NOP operating plan priorities (from current list)

• Discuss prep for Spring 2017 meeting (Sunset 2019 Materials, Petitioned substances, and carried 

over items). 

• Public comments to date

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from September 6 were approved with amendments to the work agenda table, and the 

addition of the discussion and vote for the tocopherols annotation change, which was conducted 

via email after the last call. 
• L-Methionine (TF). The Handling Subcommittee received a petition for L-Methionine, which was 

previously submitted in 2013, amended, and resubmitted. The lead noted that the petition was 

thorough and addressed all the NOSB questions from the previous submission. The petition was 

found sufficient. The HS will not seek a new TR. 

• NOP operating plan priorities (from current list). The group discussed previous recommendations 

that are outstanding on the NOP operating plan for 2017. The NOSB was asked to prioritize the 

items for NOP. Members discussed several topics such as calculating percentage of organic 

ingredients, materials classification, infant formula substances (nutrient vitamins and minerals 

(NVM)/accessory nutrients) that the NOSB previously prohibited, apiculture, and aquaculture. The 

NOP will provide additional information about some of the items, and current status of these items. 

The list will be discussed on the next Executive call in preparation for the fall meeting.

• Prep for Spring 2017 meeting (Sunset 2019 Materials, Petitioned substances, and carried over 

items). 

o There is a short period of time between the Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 meeting. The HS 

Chair noted that the Subcommittee will have only four calls, and the new appointees will 

only have two calls before the proposal deadline. The 2019 sunset substances were 

reviewed for TR requests, and the current leads will remain until January, when several 

members will end their NOSB terms. Other projects may also need to be reassigned: 

BPA/packaging and NVM. 

• Public comments. Members discussed comments received to date. Currently there are 500+ 

comments, and most address carrageenan and hydroponics. 

• Additional Items

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

September 6, 2016 

Tocopherols (TF) - discuss proposal and vote

Marine materials (marine algae and extracts) discussion document - preliminary discussion, TR 

 sufficiency

Xanthan Gum - discuss written update for Fall 2016 meeting

September 20, 2016 - cancelled

October 4, 2016

L-Methionine - Petition sufficiency, TR request

October 18, 2016

 L-Methionine - discuss proposal?

Discuss public comment

November 1, 2016 

Discuss public comment

SDBS - TR sufficiency, if available

BPA - TR sufficiency, if available 

November 15, 2016 - cancelled (NOSB Meeting)

December 6, 2016 

December 20, 2016
Fall 2016 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Aug 1, 2016

NOP - Complete fall 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Sep 8, 2016

NOSB - Fall 2016 proposals due to NOP Sep 14, 2016

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 27, 2016

Discuss work agendas on ES call Oct 14, 2016

Webinar run through Oct 25, 2016

Public comment closes Oct 26, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Nov 2, 2016

Public comment webinar Nov 3, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Nov 4, 2016 

Fall 2016 NOSB meeting - St Louis, MO Nov 16-18, 2016
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to 

or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or 

regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of substances used in 

organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Meeting Notes 

Tuesday, October 18, 2016 1:00 pm ET 

Present: Harold Austin, Chair (HA); Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); Lisa de Lima (LD); Tom Chapman (TC); Zea 

Sonnabend (ZS); Jesse Buie (JB) - observer; Harriet Behar (HB) - observer

Absent: Jean Richardson (JR); A-dae Briones (AB); Tracy Favre (TF); Ashley Swaffar (AS)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jessica Walden (JW)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

205.605(b) HA/

LD

Y Petition sent to HS on 11 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

16. Petition found suff 12 01 15. No 

new TR will be requested. Referred 

back to HS at Apr 2016 NOSB 

meeting. TR request sent 05 18 16. 

TR in development - Expected late 

Oct 2016

TBD Spr 2017

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 JR/SR N Petition for chlorine dioxide dry gas 

sent to HS on 12 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 02 02 

16. HS sent request 03 17 16 for 

additional info from petitioner.

Sodium chlorite addendum received 

05 05 16. Suff due 07 05 16. Petition 

found sufficient 06 07 16

Jun 7,

Aug 16

Fall 2016

Oat protein 

concentrate

205.606 EO N Petition sent to HS on 02 17 16. 

Response/request for TR due 05 11 

16. Petition found sufficient 04 05 

16. No new TR requested

May 17 Fall 2016

L-Methionine 205.605 TF N Petition sent to HS on 08 25 16. 

Response/request for TR due 10 24 

16. Petition found suff 10 04 16. No 

new TR

Oct 4 Spr 2017
2018 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2016 Complete Review: Fall 2016

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled,

Discussed

Voted

Review 

Meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016

Animal enzymes 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016

Calcium sulfatemined205.605(a) TC No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Aug 2 Fall 2016

Carrageenan 205.605(a) ZS Y Lmtd 

Scope

Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. Lmtd Scope TR 

sent to HS 01 22 16. HS sent for 

revision. Rvsd TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jul 5,

Aug 2, 

Aug 16

Fall 2016

Glucono deltalactone (GDL)205.605(a) TC Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Aug 2 Fall 2016

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) AS N Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jul 5 Fall 2016

Cellulose 205.605(b) HA Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jun 21, Jul 5 Fall 2016

Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) AS Y Sunset date: 05/29/18. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 01 

22 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found sufficient 02 02 16

Jul 5 Fall 2016

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016

Colors: Betacarotene extract 205.606 JR No new 

TR

Sunset date: 05/29/18 Jun 21 Fall 2016

2019 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2017 Complete Review: Fall 2017

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting
Attapulgite 205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 Fall 2017

Bentonite 205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 “

Diatomaceous 

earth

205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 “

Nitrogen 205.605(a) LD N Jun 21 “

Sodium carbonate 205.605(a) LD N Jun 21 “

Acidified sodium 

chlorite

205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Calcium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Carbon dioxide 205.605(b) LD N Jun 21 “

Chlorine dioxide 205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Magnesium 

chloride

205.605(b) JR Y Jun 21 “

Potassium acid 

tartrate

205.605(b) JR Y Jun 21 “

Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Sodium 

phosphates

205.605(b) JR/HA 2016 Phosphates - TR Request rec'd 

7/28/15; TR sent to HS on 

2/10/2016; TR found sufficient 

on 3/15/2016

Jun 21 “

Casings 205.606 JR N Jun 21 “

Konjac flour 205.606 SR N Jun 21 “

Pectin (nonamidated forms 

only)

205.606 TC N Jun 21 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

ZS/LD Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development, expected mid-Sep -

delayed. TR received 9/30/16. In review by the program.

Disc Doc

Spr 2017

Xanthan Gum

Reclassification

ZS TR in development. TR request send to NOP 10 26 15. TR 

expected May 2016. TR sent to HS 04 22 16. Response due 06 21 

Fall 2016
16. Review scheduled Jun 7. TR found sufficient 06 07 16. HS will 

not go forth with reclassification - Waiting for NOP re: how to 

finalize. NOP determined that a verbal update at the fall 2016 

meeting would suffice. HS will submit written update at fall 

meeting.

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TF Review scheduled 9/6/16. Voted 09 06 16. Fall 2016

Tocopherols. 

Additional Listing @ 

205.605(a)

TF Voted 09 06 16. Fall 2016

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

ZS Pending NOP Approval. Approved 01 12 16. Proposal. On hold. TBD

Phosphates -

discussion doc.

Potential future 

annotation change

HA/JR Request to add to work agenda discussed on October 9 on ES call. 

TR request sent to NOP 07 28 15. Formal request for addition to 

agenda sent 11 24 15. Awaiting NOP approval. TR in development 

- estimated March 2016. TR sent to HS 02 11 16. TR suff due 04 

12 16. TR found sufficient 03 15 16. Vote: 08 16 16

Fall 2016

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts). Discussion 

doc

JR Pending NOP approval. NOP approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. TR expected Jul 2016. TR sent to 

HS 08 10 16. TR suff due 10 11 16. TR found sufficient 09 06 16. 

Voted 09 06 16.

Fall 2016

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

JR HS requested addition of this. NOP approved 01 12 16, but 

delayed until after classification guidance is published and TR is 

available. 

TBD

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2016

- Celery Powder alternatives

Fall 2016

NOP operating plan 

suggestions

ALL NA

*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote

Agenda

• Approve October 4 notes

• Fall meeting discussion: questions, concerns

• Discuss priorities for the NOP FY 2017 operating plan

• Discuss future plans (post-fall meeting) materials, projects, and discussion schedules

• Discuss process for final document preparation 

• Discuss public comment 

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from October 4 were approved with no changes

• Fall meeting discussion. The NOP updated the group about various upcoming deadlines for public 

comments and the fall 2016 meeting. 
• Priorities for the NOP FY 2017 operating plan. The HS Chair sent the Handling priority list to the 

NOSB Chair for discussion on the Nov 4 Executive call. Each Subcommittee was tasked with 

providing a short list that will be discussed by the Exec team, and then at the fall 2016 meeting by 

the full Board. The final list will be submitted to the NOP after the meeting. 

• Discuss future plans (post-fall meeting) materials, projects, and discussion schedules. The group 

discussed the timeline for discussions and projects after the fall meeting, including materials that 

will be transitioned to new or existing members after 5 members rotate off. The HS will schedule 

discussions and determine new leads during the November 1 call. 

• BPA TR. The NOP received the revised TR for BPA after the contractor made some revisions, and 

will send it to the HS as soon as possible.

• Final document preparation. After the fall meeting the lead authors will prepare the final 

recommendations for submission to the NOP, via the Subcommittee Chair. The group will discuss 

this more on the next call. 

• Discuss public comment. Members discussed the potential reclassification of various proposals, 

such as agar agar, which they chose to delay until the Materials’ Classification Guidance is 

published. The group also discussed the open docket, and the process by which NOSB members are 

expected to read early comments. Since the docket opened early, before proposals were posted, 

commenters are submitting comments that are general in nature, or that are about the 

Subcommittee deliberations. 

• Additional Items. The HS members discussed an ongoing topic regarding substances on the 

National List (or petitioned to be added) which are produced from a combination of starting 

materials that may not be on the National List. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

October 4, 2016

L-Methionine - Petition sufficiency, TR request

October 18, 2016

 L-Methionine - discuss proposal?

Discuss public comment

November 1, 2016 

Discuss public comment

November 15, 2016 - cancelled (NOSB Meeting)

December 6, 2016

SDBS - TR sufficiency, if available

BPA - TR sufficiency, if available

December 20, 2016

Fall 2016 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Aug 1, 2016

NOP - Complete fall 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Sep 8, 2016

NOSB - Fall 2016 proposals due to NOP Sep 14, 2016
NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 27, 2016

Discuss work agendas on ES call Oct 14, 2016

Webinar run through Oct 25, 2016

Public comment closes Oct 26, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Nov 2, 2016

Public comment webinar Nov 3, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Nov 4, 2016 

Fall 2016 NOSB meeting - St Louis, MO Nov 16-18, 2016
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to 

or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or 

regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of substances used in 

organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Meeting Notes 

Tuesday, November 1, 2016 1:00 pm ET

Present: Harold Austin, Chair (HA); Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); Lisa de Lima (LD); Zea Sonnabend (ZS); Jean 

Richardson (JR); Tracy Favre (TF); Harriet Behar (HB) - observer

Absent: A-dae Briones (AB); Ashley Swaffar (AS); Tom Chapman (TC)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jessica Walden (JW)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

205.605(b) HA/

new 

mem

ber

Y Petition sent to HS on 11 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04

16. Petition found suff 12 01 15. No 

new TR will be requested. Referred 

back to HS at Apr 2016 NOSB 

meeting. TR request sent 05 18 16. 

TR in development - Expected late 

Dec 2016/early Jan

TBD Spr 2017

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 JR/SR N Petition for chlorine dioxide dry gas 

sent to HS on 12 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 02 02 

16. HS sent request 03 17 16 for 

additional info from petitioner.

Sodium chlorite addendum received 

05 05 16. Suff due 07 05 16. Petition 

found sufficient 06 07 16

Jun 7,

Aug 16

Fall 2016

Oat protein 

concentrate

205.606 EO N Petition sent to HS on 02 17 16. 

Response/request for TR due 05 11 

16. Petition found sufficient 04 05 

16. No new TR requested

May 17 Fall 2016

L-Methionine 205.605 TF N Petition sent to HS on 08 25 16. 

Response/request for TR due 10 24 

16. Petition found suff 10 04 16. No 

new TR

Oct 4 Spr 2017

Short DNA Tracers 205.605 LD Petition sent to HS on 10 21 16. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

17.
2018 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2016 Complete Review: Fall 2016

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled,

Discussed

Voted

Review 

Meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016

Animal enzymes 205.605(a) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016

Calcium sulfatemined205.605(a) TC No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Aug 2 Fall 2016

Carrageenan 205.605(a) ZS Y Lmtd 

Scope

Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. Lmtd Scope TR 

sent to HS 01 22 16. HS sent for 

revision. Rvsd TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jul 5,

Aug 2, 

Aug 16

Fall 2016

Glucono deltalactone (GDL)205.605(a) TC Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Aug 2 Fall 2016

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) AS N Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jul 5 Fall 2016

Cellulose 205.605(b) HA Y Sunset date: 11/3/2018. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 02 

11 16. TR Suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found suff 02 16 16

Jun 21, Jul 5 Fall 2016

Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) AS Y Sunset date: 05/29/18. TR 

request sent 07 06 15. TR in 

development. TR sent to HS 01 

22 16. TR suff due 03 04 16. TR 

found sufficient 02 02 16

Jul 5 Fall 2016

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) LD No new 

TR

Sunset date: 11/3/2018 Jun 7 Fall 2016

Colors: Betacarotene extract 205.606 JR No new 

TR

Sunset date: 05/29/18 Jun 21 Fall 2016

2019 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2017 Complete Review: Fall 2017

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting
Attapulgite 205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 Fall 2017

Bentonite 205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 “

Diatomaceous 

earth

205.605(a) JR N Jun 21 “

Nitrogen 205.605(a) LD N Jun 21 “

Sodium carbonate 205.605(a) LD N Jun 21 “

Acidified sodium 

chlorite

205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Calcium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Carbon dioxide 205.605(b) LD N Jun 21 “

Chlorine dioxide 205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Magnesium 

chloride

205.605(b) JR Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016

Jun 21 “

Potassium acid 

tartrate

205.605(b) JR Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016

Jun 21 “

Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AS N Jun 21 “

Sodium 

phosphates

205.605(b) JR/HA 2016 Phosphates - TR Request rec'd 

7/28/15; TR sent to HS on 

2/10/2016; TR found sufficient 

on 3/15/2016

Jun 21 “

Casings 205.606 JR N Jun 21 “

Konjac flour 205.606 SR N Jun 21 “

Pectin (nonamidated forms 

only)

205.606 TC N Jun 21 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

ZS/LD Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development, expected mid-Sep -

delayed. TR received 9/30/16. In review by the program. TR sent 

to HS 10 19 16. TR sufficiency due 12 20 16

Disc Doc

Spr 2017

Xanthan Gum

Reclassification

ZS TR in development. TR request send to NOP 10 26 15. TR 

expected May 2016. TR sent to HS 04 22 16. Response due 06 21 

Fall 2016
16. Review scheduled Jun 7. TR found sufficient 06 07 16. HS will 

not go forth with reclassification - Waiting for NOP re: how to 

finalize. NOP determined that a verbal update at the fall 2016 

meeting would suffice. HS will submit written update at fall 

meeting.

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TF Review scheduled 9/6/16. Voted 09 06 16. Fall 2016

Tocopherols. 

Additional Listing @ 

205.605(a)

TF Voted 09 06 16. Fall 2016

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

ZS Pending NOP Approval. Approved 01 12 16. Proposal. On hold. TBD

Phosphates -

discussion doc.

Potential future 

annotation change

HA/JR Request to add to work agenda discussed on October 9 on ES call. 

TR request sent to NOP 07 28 15. Formal request for addition to 

agenda sent 11 24 15. Awaiting NOP approval. TR in development 

- estimated March 2016. TR sent to HS 02 11 16. TR suff due 04 

12 16. TR found sufficient 03 15 16. Vote: 08 16 16

Fall 2016

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts). Discussion 

doc

JR Pending NOP approval. NOP approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. TR expected Jul 2016. TR sent to 

HS 08 10 16. TR suff due 10 11 16. TR found sufficient 09 06 16. 

Voted 09 06 16.

Fall 2016

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

JR HS requested addition of this. NOP approved 01 12 16, but 

delayed until after classification guidance is published and TR is 

available. 

TBD

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2016

- Celery Powder alternatives

Fall 2016

NOP operating plan 

suggestions

ALL NA

*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote

Agenda

• Approve October 18 notes

• Discuss the new petition on Short DNA Tracers 

• Discuss TR for BPA

• Discuss 2017 work agenda

• Assign materials for the post-fall meeting time frame

• Discuss public comment 

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• HS Notes from October 18 were approved with no changes

• Short DNA Tracers. LD volunteered to lead this material, and will pass along SDBS to another 

member. A member briefly summarized the petition, and the group will continue discussion at a 

later date. 
• BPA TR. The HS recently received the TR and will determine its sufficiency in December.

• 2017 work agenda. The 2017 work agenda will include several petitions, sixteen 2019 sunset 

materials, and potentially several materials depending on the outcome at the fall meeting. Two of 

the 2019 sunset substances have pending TRs (potassium acid tartrate and magnesium chloride). 

Current members who will rotate off the Board in January will transfer any 2019 sunset materials to 

new members.

• Assign materials for the post-fall meeting time frame. The Handling Subcommittee scheduled 

discussions for several materials on the Dec 6 and Dec 20 calls.

• Discuss public comment. Members discussed public comments about various materials, and also 

discussed the procedure going forth for materials with ancillary substances.

• Additional Items. Members will let NOP know if they will be using Powerpoint, or anything other 

than the pdfs of the proposals for projection at the meeting. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

October 18, 2016

 L-Methionine - discuss proposal?

Discuss public comment

November 1, 2016 

Discuss public comment

November 15, 2016 - cancelled (NOSB Meeting)

December 6, 2016

Follow up from NOSB meeting on any materials

Carbon dioxide, sodium carbonate, nitrogen (LD) - Discuss review for first posting

December 20, 2016

BPA (ZS) - TR sufficiency

L-Methionine (TF) - Discuss proposal

Short DNA Tracers

January 3, 2017

Short DNA Tracers - Petition sufficiency/TR determination

January 17, 2017

Fall 2016 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Aug 1, 2016

NOP - Complete fall 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Sep 8, 2016

NOSB - Fall 2016 proposals due to NOP Sep 14, 2016

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 27, 2016

Discuss work agendas on ES call Oct 14, 2016

Webinar run through Oct 25, 2016

Public comment closes Oct 26, 2016
NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Nov 2, 2016

Public comment webinar Nov 3, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Nov 4, 2016 

Fall 2016 NOSB meeting - St Louis, MO Nov 16-18, 2016
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to 

or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or 

regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of substances used in 

organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Meeting Notes 

Tuesday, December 6, 2016 1:00 pm ET

Present: Harold Austin, Chair (HA); Lisa de Lima (LD); Zea Sonnabend (ZS); Jean Richardson (JR); Tracy Favre 

(TF) - observer; Ashley Swaffar (AS); Tom Chapman (TC); Asa Bradman (AB) - observer; Steve Ela (SE) -

observer; Harriet Behar (HB) - observer; Jesse Buie (JB) - observer

Absent: Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); A-dae Briones (ARB)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jessica Walden (JW)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

205.605(b) HA/

new 

mem

ber

Y Petition sent to HS on 11 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

16. Petition found suff 12 01 15. No 

new TR will be requested. Referred 

back to HS at Apr 2016 NOSB 

meeting. TR request sent 05 18 16. 

TR in development - Expected late 

Dec 2016/early Jan

Spr 2017

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 JR/SR N Petition for chlorine dioxide dry gas 

sent to HS on 12 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 02 02 

16. HS sent request 03 17 16 for 

additional info from petitioner.

Sodium chlorite addendum received 

05 05 16. Suff due 07 05 16. Petition 

found sufficient 06 07 16. Sent back 

to Subcomm at fall 2016 meeting

Spr 2017

L-Methionine 205.605 TF N Petition sent to HS on 08 25 16. 

Response/request for TR due 10 24 

16. Petition found suff 10 04 16. No 

new TR

Dec 20 Spr 2017

Short DNA Tracers 205.605 LD Petition sent to HS on 10 21 16. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

17.

Jan 3 Spr 2017
2019 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2017 Complete Review: Fall 2017

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Attapulgite 205.605(a) JR N Jan 3 Spr 2017

Bentonite 205.605(a) JR N Jan 3 “

Diatomaceous 

earth

205.605(a) JR N Jan 3 “

Nitrogen 205.605(a) LD N Dec 6 “

Sodium carbonate 205.605(a) LD N Dec 6 “

Acidified sodium 

chlorite

205.605(b) AS N Dec 20 “

Calcium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AS N Dec 20 “

Carbon dioxide 205.605(b) LD N Dec 6 “

Chlorine dioxide 205.605(b) AS N Dec 20 “

Magnesium 

chloride

205.605(b) JR Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016

Jan 3 “

Potassium acid 

tartrate

205.605(b) JR Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016

Jan 3 “

Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AS N Dec 20 “

Sodium 

phosphates

205.605(b) JR/HA 2016 Phosphates - TR Request rec'd 

7/28/15; TR sent to HS on 

2/10/2016; TR found sufficient 

on 3/15/2016

Jan 3 “

Casings 205.606 JR N Jan 3 “

Konjac flour 205.606 SR N “

Pectin (nonamidated forms 

only)

205.606 TC N Dec 20 “

Other projects
Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

ZS/LD Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development, expected mid-Sep -

delayed. TR received 9/30/16. In review by the program. TR sent 

to HS 10 19 16. TR sufficiency due 12 20 16

Disc Doc

Spr 2017

Xanthan Gum

Reclassification

ZS TR in development. TR request send to NOP 10 26 15. TR 

expected May 2016. TR sent to HS 04 22 16. Response due 06 21 

16. Review scheduled Jun 7. TR found sufficient 06 07 16. HS will 

not go forth with reclassification - Waiting for NOP re: how to 

finalize. NOP determined that a verbal update at the fall 2016 

meeting would suffice. HS will submit written update at fall 

meeting. Pending MS review

TBD

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TF Review scheduled 9/6/16. Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm 

at fall 2016 meeting

Spr 2017

Tocopherols. 

Additional Listing @

205.605(a)

TF Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm at fall 2016 meeting. Spr 2017

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

ZS Pending NOP Approval. Approved 01 12 16. Proposal. On hold. TBD

Phosphates -

proposal?

Potential future 

annotation change

HA/JR Request to add to work agenda discussed on October 9 on ES call. 

TR request sent to NOP 07 28 15. Formal request for addition to 

agenda sent 11 24 15. Awaiting NOP approval. TR in development 

- estimated March 2016. TR sent to HS 02 11 16. TR suff due 04 

12 16. TR found sufficient 03 15 16. Vote: 08 16 16

TBD

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts). Proposal

JR Pending NOP approval. NOP approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. TR expected Jul 2016. TR sent to 

HS 08 10 16. TR suff due 10 11 16. TR found sufficient 09 06 16. 

Voted 09 06 16. Proposal in development 12 06 16

Spr 2017

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

JR HS requested addition of this. NOP approved 01 12 16, but 

delayed until after classification guidance is published and TR is 

available. 

TBD

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2017 Fall 2017

NOP operating plan 

suggestions

ALL NA

*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote

Agenda

• Approve November 1, 2016 

• Feedback from St. Louis meeting 

• Assign and discuss review materials: focus on the 2019 Sunset Materials and those materials where 

the current leads will be leaving after the middle of January

• Discuss Carbon Dioxide, Sodium Carbonate, and Nitrogen
• Other business

• Adjourn

Discussion

• HS Notes from November 1 were approved with no changes

• Feedback from St. Louis meeting: 

o Several members noted that there was a great deal of engagement at the fall meeting by 

Board members and stakeholders. Good dialogue and broad in scope. 

• Materials referred back to Subcommittee at the Fall meeting. 

o Phosphates. Phosphates remain an important health related issue, but because it is difficult 

to prove causality to one specific substance, it is not likely for the NOSB to remove all the 

phosphate materials from the list based on human health concerns. At this time the HS will 

not move forth with a proposal. The Subcommittee will provide a historical document, akin 

to the summary the LS compiled for aquaculture, so that future Boards will have the 

historical information for future reviews. The HS will discuss this on Friday during the Exec 

call. MA will explore options for posting this on the website. 

o Marine materials. The lead author will prepare a proposal for the next HS call for discussion 

and a possible vote. The document will mostly clarify nomenclature.

o Tocopherols. Two proposals were returned to Subcommittee for further work. The lead 

asked for feedback regarding the annotation change, and will revise the documents for 

discussion in January. The group discussed the classification guidance in relation to 

tocopherols. 

o Xanthan gum. On hold until the group can discuss this in light of the newly released NOP 

Guidance on Classification of Materials as Synthetic or Non-Synthetic (NOP 5033-1), and 

pending review by the Materials Subcommittee. The lead will write a summary document 

to capture the historical information for the person who will take on this project in January. 

• Assign and discuss materials: The members assigned discussion dates for various 2019 sunset 

materials and other projects. The lead reviewer for DNA Tracers asked for feedback on the petition 

for discussion on the next call.

• Carbon Dioxide. Carbon dioxide was reviewed two years ago, and there were no objections to its 

continued listing. The lead summarized the uses of carbon dioxide, and another member noted that

it can be non-synthetic. 

• Sodium Carbonate. The lead summarized the uses of sodium carbonate, and noted that during the 

previous review there was very little public comment. 

• Nitrogen. The lead summarized the uses of nitrogen. During a previous review there were no 

objections to nitrogen remaining on list.

• A member suggested that the review template for the 2019 materials be updated given that many 

of the materials were recently reviewed. This includes updating the sunset date, which was revised 

due to the new sunset review timeline. The member also asked that the reviews include a link to 

the previous NOSB recommendation acknowledging that they are currently still under rulemaking. 

MA will add the info about pending rulemaking, and update the sunset dates. 

• Other business - none

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

November 15, 2016 - cancelled (NOSB Meeting)

December 6, 2016
Follow up from NOSB meeting on any materials

Carbon dioxide, sodium carbonate, nitrogen (LD) - Discuss review for first posting

December 20, 2016

2019 sunsets (AS): Acidified sodium chlorite, Calcium hypochlorite, Chlorine dioxide, 

Sodium hypochlorite (AS) - Discuss review for first posting 

BPA (ZS) - TR sufficiency

L-Methionine (TF) - Discuss proposal

Marine Materials (JR) - Discuss proposal/vote?

Pectin (non-amidated forms only) (TC) - Discuss review for first posting

January 3, 2017

Short DNA Tracers (LD) - Petition sufficiency/TR determination

2019 sunsets (JR): Attapulgite, Bentonite, Diatomaceous earth, Magnesium chloride, Potassium acid 

tartrate, Sodium phosphates (JR/HA), Casings - - Discuss review for first posting

January 17, 2017

Tocopherols (TF) - discuss proposals

February 7, 2017

February 21, 2017

March 7, 2017

March 21, 2017

April 4, 2017

April 18, 2017

May 2, 2017

May 16, 2017

June 6, 2017

June 20, 2017

July 18, 2017

August 1, 2017

August 15, 2017

September 5, 2017

September 19, 2017

October 3, 2017

October 17, 2017

November 7, 2017

November 21, 2017

December 5, 2017

December 19, 2017

January 2, 2018

January 16, 2018

Spring 2017 Milestones 2017 Target date

New NOSB member orientation Feb 8, 2017

NOP - Complete Spring 2017 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 10, 2017

NOSB - Spring 2017 proposals due to NOP Feb 17, 2017

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment Mar 1, 2017
Discuss work agendas on ES call Mar 17, 2017 

Public comment closes Mar 30, 2017

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 5, 2017

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Apr 7, 2017

Public comment webinar Apr 13, 2017

Spring 2017 NOSB meeting – Denver, CO Apr 19-21, 2017 (W-F)
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to 

or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or 

regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of substances used in 

organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Meeting Notes 

Tuesday, December 20, 2016 1:00 pm ET

Present: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Harold Austin (HA); Zea Sonnabend (ZS); Jean Richardson (JR); Ashley 

Swaffar (AS); Tom Chapman (TC); Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); A-dae Briones (ARB) - observer; Tracy Favre 

(TF) - observer; Joelle Mosso (JM) - observer; Harriet Behar (HB) - observer; Emily Oakley (EO) - observer

Absent: none

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jessica Walden (JW)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

205.605(b) HA/

new 

mem

ber

Y Petition sent to HS on 11 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

16. Petition found suff 12 01 15. No 

new TR will be requested. Referred 

back to HS at Apr 2016 NOSB 

meeting. TR request sent 05 18 16. 

TR in development - Expected late 

Dec 2016/early Jan

Spr 2017?

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 JR/SR N Petition for chlorine dioxide dry gas 

sent to HS on 12 02 15. 

Response/request for TR due 02 02 

16. HS sent request 03 17 16 for 

additional info from petitioner.

Sodium chlorite addendum received 

05 05 16. Suff due 07 05 16. Petition 

found sufficient 06 07 16. Sent back 

to Subcomm at fall 2016 meeting

Spr 2017?

L-Methionine 205.605 TF N Petition sent to HS on 08 25 16. 

Response/request for TR due 10 24 

16. Petition found suff 10 04 16. No 

new TR

Jan 17 Spr 2017

Short DNA Tracers 205.605 LD Petition sent to HS on 10 21 16. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

17.

Jan 3 Spr 2017
2019 Sunsets §205.605(a), §205.605(b) and 205.606 

Summary: Spr 2017 Complete Review: Fall 2017

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Attapulgite 205.605(a) JR N Jan 17 Spr 2017

Bentonite 205.605(a) JR N Jan 17 “

Diatomaceous 

earth

205.605(a) JR N Jan 17 “

Nitrogen 205.605(a) LD N Dec 6 “

Sodium carbonate 205.605(a) LD N Dec 6 “

Acidified sodium 

chlorite

205.605(b) AS N Dec 20 “

Calcium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AS N Dec 20 “

Carbon dioxide 205.605(b) LD N Dec 6 “

Chlorine dioxide 205.605(b) AS N Dec 20 “

Magnesium 

chloride

205.605(b) JR Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

12 12 16. Suff due 02 14 17

Jan 17 “

Potassium acid 

tartrate

205.605(b) JR Y TR in development; expected 

January 2017

Jan 17 “

Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AS N Dec 20 “

Sodium 

phosphates

205.605(b) JR/HA 2016 Phosphates - TR Request rec'd 

7/28/15; TR sent to HS on 

2/10/2016; TR found sufficient 

on 3/15/2016

Jan 17 “

Casings 205.606 JR N Jan 17 “

Konjac flour 205.606 SR N Jan 17 “

Pectin (nonamidated forms 

only)

205.606 TC N Jan 3 “
Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

ZS/LD Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development, expected mid-Sep -

delayed. TR received 9/30/16. In review by the program. TR sent 

to HS 10 19 16. TR sufficiency due 12 20 16. TR found insufficient 

12 20 16. 

Disc Doc

Spr 2017

Xanthan Gum

Reclassification

ZS TR in development. TR request send to NOP 10 26 15. TR 

expected May 2016. TR sent to HS 04 22 16. Response due 06 21 

16. Review scheduled Jun 7. TR found sufficient 06 07 16. HS will 

not go forth with reclassification - Waiting for NOP re: how to 

finalize. NOP determined that a verbal update at the fall 2016 

meeting would suffice. HS will submit written update at fall 

meeting. Pending MS review

TBD

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TF Review scheduled 9/6/16. Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm 

at fall 2016 meeting. Scheduled for discussion 01 17 17

Spr 2017

Tocopherols. 

Additional Listing @ 

205.605(a)

TF Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm at fall 2016 meeting.

Scheduled for discussion 01 17 17

Spr 2017

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

ZS Pending NOP Approval. Approved 01 12 16. Proposal. On hold. TBD

Phosphates -

proposal?

Potential future 

annotation change

HA/JR Request to add to work agenda discussed on October 9 on ES call. 

TR request sent to NOP 07 28 15. Formal request for addition to 

agenda sent 11 24 15. Awaiting NOP approval. TR in development 

- estimated March 2016. TR sent to HS 02 11 16. TR suff due 04 

12 16. TR found sufficient 03 15 16. Vote: 08 16 16.

TBD

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts). Proposal

JR Pending NOP approval. NOP approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. TR expected Jul 2016. TR sent to 

HS 08 10 16. TR suff due 10 11 16. TR found sufficient 09 06 16. 

Voted 09 06 16. Proposal in development 12 06 16

Spr 2017

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

JR HS requested addition of this. NOP approved 01 12 16, but 

delayed until after classification guidance is published and TR is 

available. TR sent to HS 12 12 16. TR suff due 02 14 17.

TBD

Ancillary substances 

used in cellulose

HA

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2017 Fall 2017

NOP operating plan 

suggestions

ALL NA

*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote

Agenda

• Approve December 6, 2016 
• 2019 sunsets (AS): Acidified sodium chlorite, Calcium hypochlorite, Chlorine dioxide,

• Sodium hypochlorite (AS) - Discuss review for first posting

• BPA (ZS) - TR sufficiency

• Marine Materials (JR) - Discuss proposal/vote?

• Pectin (non-amidated forms only) (TC) - Discuss review for first posting

• Other business

• Adjourn

Discussion

• HS Notes from December 6 were approved with no changes

• Sunset 2018 final recommendations (HA). The HS has completed the majority of its final sunset 

recommendations, and have a couple left to complete. MA will insert standard language into 2018 

sunset template. 

• 2019 sunsets (AS).

o Acidified sodium chlorite. The lead reviewed uses of this material, and noted that the 

sunset date will be updated and the document will be submitted to the NOP for the spring 

NOSB meeting. The lead also added that commenters suggested a comprehensive review of 

all sanitizers as a group, but this is outside the scope of sunset review and the 

Subcommittee may undertake this as a separate project. 

o Chlorine materials: Calcium hypochlorite, Chlorine dioxide, Sodium hypochlorite (AS) - The 

lead discussed the review for first posting. There was wide support for these materials, with

the suggestion that the NOSB review all sanitizers as a group. 

• BPA (ZS). TR sufficiency. The lead summarized the background for this project for the benefit of the 

group: The first briefing paper was submitted in Dec 2013, and it was not approved for addition to 

the work agenda until 2015. The members feel strongly that the TR was poorly written, overly and 

unnecessarily technical, and is biased. For these reasons they deemed the TR insufficient and will 

proceed with a discussion document so they can gather the information they are seeking from the 

public and stakeholders. The group discussed the missing info in the TR, and noted that it did not 

include a thorough review of alternatives. ZS offered to write the draft discussion document, and 

the HS will discuss it on the next call, as well as during the January 13 ES call. 

• Marine Materials (JR). The lead noted that although the TR seemed biased towards marketing, and 

the literature citations were not comprehensive, she was able to pull some useful information from 

it to proceed with a draft document. The group discussed the document, made some suggestions 

for edits, and chose to defer voting until the next call. The revised document will be recirculated to 

the members for discussion on the next call. 

• Pectin (non-amidated forms only) (TC). Deferred due to lack of time.

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

December 6, 2016

Follow up from NOSB meeting on any materials

Carbon dioxide, sodium carbonate, nitrogen (LD) - Discuss review for first posting

December 20, 2016

2019 sunsets (AS): Acidified sodium chlorite, Calcium hypochlorite, Chlorine dioxide, 

Sodium hypochlorite (AS) - Discuss review for first posting 

BPA (ZS) - TR sufficiency

Marine Materials (JR) - Discuss proposal/vote?
January 3, 2017

Pectin (non-amidated forms only) (TC) - Discuss review for first posting

Cellulose (HA) - ancillary substances

Short DNA Tracers (LD) - Petition sufficiency/TR determination

BPA - Discuss discussion document

January 17, 2017

Marine Materials (JR) - Discuss proposal/vote

2019 sunsets (JR): Attapulgite, Bentonite, Diatomaceous earth, Magnesium chloride, Potassium acid 

tartrate, Sodium phosphates (JR/HA), Casings - Discuss review for first posting

Tocopherols (TF) - discuss proposals

2019 sunsets (SR) - Konjac Flour

L-Methionine (TF) - Discuss proposal

Reassign materials to new members from outgoing members

January 31, 2017 (rescheduled from Feb 7)

February 21, 2017

March 7, 2017

March 21, 2017

April 4, 2017

April 18, 2017

May 2, 2017

May 16, 2017

June 6, 2017

June 20, 2017

July 18, 2017

August 1, 2017

August 15, 2017

September 5, 2017

September 19, 2017

October 3, 2017

October 17, 2017

November 7, 2017

November 21, 2017

December 5, 2017

December 19, 2017

January 2, 2018

January 16, 2018

Spring 2017 Milestones 2017 Target date

New NOSB member orientation Feb 8, 2017

NOP - Complete Spring 2017 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 10, 2017

NOSB - Spring 2017 proposals due to NOP Feb 17, 2017

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment Mar 1, 2017

Discuss work agendas on ES call Mar 17, 2017 
Public comment closes Mar 30, 2017

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 5, 2017

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Apr 7, 2017

Public comment webinar Apr 13, 2017

Spring 2017 NOSB meeting – Denver, CO Apr 19-21, 2017 (W-F)