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 3, 2017 1:00 pm ET 

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

Chapman (TC); Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); Joelle Mosso (JM) - observer; A-dae Briones (ARB) - observer; 

Tracy Favre (TF) - observer; Steve Ela (SA) - observer, Harriet Behar (HB) - observer; Asa Bradman (AB)

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/

new 

mem

ber/ 

AS

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

Jan 3, 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/AS 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 N Petition sent to HS on 10 21 16. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

17. Petition found sufficient. No TR

request

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/JM N Jan 17 Spr 2017

Bentonite 205.605(a) JR/JM N Jan 17 “

Diatomaceous 

earth

205.605(a) JR/JM 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/LD 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/SE Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016

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/AB 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/AB 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/TC 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/SR 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/LD HS requested addition of this. NOP approved 01 12 16, but 

delayed until after classification guidance is published and TR is 

available. 

TBD

Additional 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 20, 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

• L-Methionine (TF) - Discuss petition

• Assign leads for sunset materials, and other projects

• Other business

• Adjourn

Discussion

• HS Notes from December 20 were approved with no changes

• Pectin (non-amidated forms only) (TC) - The lead reviewed the uses for pectin and noted that 

there are no organic forms. A full TR was completed in 2010, and a limited scope TR in 2015. There 

seems to be no new information or changes in use since the last review, but the lead would like to 

add a question about organic sources since 2015. The lead will update the document to include 

information about international use and manufacture, as per the template. 

• Cellulose (HA) - ancillary substances. Based on discussion at the last NOSB meeting and from public 

comment, the HS is reviewing additional ancillary substances in cellulose. The lead summarized the 

review for the group and moved to a vote. 

Motion to accept the document in support of, or to restrict use of, the ancillary substances or 

categories of substances in cellulose as shown in the chart and text of the document.

Motion by: HA

Seconded by: AS 

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 7 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 2 Recuse: 0 

• Short DNA Tracers (LD) - Petition sufficiency/TR determination. The lead reviewed the uses 

petitioned, and the group discussed essentiality and the potential need for a TR. Several members 

felt that this substance does not satisfy the OFPA criteria of compatibility. The petition was found 

sufficient and the HS will not request a TR. The lead will draft a proposal for discussion on a future 

call. 

• BPA - discussion document (ZS). The HS discussed the TR sufficiency and briefly discussed the draft 

outline for the discussion document. On the last call, the HS determined that the TR was not 

sufficient. The TR was found to be overly technical, somewhat biased, and lacking in information 

regarding alternatives. Additionally, the citations that the NOSB provided were included, but they 

were not discussed in the document. The lead circulated some background information on BPA for

the benefit of the new members. AB volunteered to co-lead this project with LD once ZS rotates off.

The goal is to produce a discussion document for spring 2017 and a proposal for fall 2017. The lead 

will makes some modifications of the draft discussion document and recirculate it to the group.

• L-Methionine (TF) - Discuss petition. The lead asked that the group review the discussion portion 

of the draft document that was circulated, for further discussion on the next call. 

• SDBS update (HA). The lead circulated two documents - a brief overview of the previous review 

and a draft proposal. SDBS was discussed at the fall meeting and sent back to Subcommittee for 

further work, and the HS requested a TR in order to complete the proposal. Once the TR arrives, 
the new lead will take over. The current lead offered to prepare some additional notes for the 

transition. 

• Assign leads for sunset materials, and other projects. See table above and schedule below

• Other business. None

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

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

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

 L-Methionine (TF) - Discuss petition

Assign leads for sunset materials, and other projects

January 17, 2017

BPA (ZS) Discuss discussion document

Phosphates (JR) - discuss proposal

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

2019 sunsets (SR) - Konjac Flour

Tocopherols (TF) - discuss proposals

L-Methionine (TF) - Discuss proposal

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)
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 17, 2017 1:00 pm ET

Present: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Harold Austin (HA); Zea Sonnabend (ZS); Scott Rice (SR); Jean Richardson 

(JR); A-dae Briones (ARB); Tracy Favre (TF); Tom Chapman (TC); Ashley Swaffar (AS); Steve Ela (SE) -

observer; Harriet Behar (HB) - observer; Joelle Mosso (JM) - observer; Asa Bradman (AB) - 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/

SR

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

Jan 3, 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/AS 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 N Petition sent to HS on 10 21 16. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

17. Petition found sufficient. No TR 

request

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/JM N Jan 17 Spr 2017

Bentonite 205.605(a) JR/JM N Jan 17 “

Diatomaceous 

earth

205.605(a) JR/JM 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/LD Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

12 12 16. Suff due 02 14 17. TR 

found sufficient 01 17 17

Jan 17 “

Potassium acid 

tartrate

205.605(b) JR/SE Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

01 11 17. TR suff due 03 15 17.

TR found sufficient 01 17 17

Jan 17 “

Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AS N Dec 20 “

Sodium 

phosphates

205.605(b) TC/LD 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/AB N Jan 17 “

Konjac flour 205.606 SR N Jan 31 “

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/AB 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/TC 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. Deferred to fall 2017 meeting

Fall 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/SR 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. Voted 01 17 

17

Spr 2017

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

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

delayed until after classification guidance is published and TR is 

available. 

TBD

Ancillary substances 

used in cellulose

HA Voted: 01 03 17 Spr 2017

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 January 3, 2017

• BPA (ZS) - discuss discussion document

• Marine Materials (JR) - discuss proposal/vote

• Tocopherols (TF) - discuss proposal

• L-Methionine (TF) - discuss proposal

• Potassium Acid Tartrate TR (JR) - TR sufficiency 

• 2019 sunsets (JR): Attapulgite, Bentonite, Diatomaceous earth, Magnesium chloride, Potassium acid 

tartrate, Casings - Discuss review for first posting

• 2019 sunsets (SR) - Konjac Flour

• Other business

• Adjourn

Discussion

• HS Notes from January 3, 2017 approved with the addition of clarifying language about and the 

ancillary substance review of cellulose, which is a review of additional ancillary substances. 

• BPA (ZS). The lead summarized the draft document and identified some sections that need to be 

flushed out. The document, which will be completed by two other members as the current lead is 

completing her term, will be discussed on next call. 

• Marine Materials (JR). The lead author summarized the proposal for the group and the 

Subcommittee voted on the two motions.

Motion to annotate the marine algae listings and annotate as follows, shown in underline: 

§205.605 Nonagricultural (nonorganic) substances allowed as ingredients in or on processed 

products labeled as “organic” or “made with organic (specified ingredients or food groups)).”

(a) Nonsynthetics allowed:

Acids (Alginic; ...). derived from brown seaweeds, class Phaeophyceae

Agar-agar. Derived from red seaweeds, class Rhodophyceae

Carrageenan. Derived from red seaweeds, class Rhodophyceae.

(b) Synthetics allowed:

Alginates. derived from brown seaweeds, class Phaeophyceae.

§205.606 Nonorganically produced agricultural products allowed as ingredients in or on processed 

products labeled as “organic.”

(d) Colors derived from agricultural products-must not be produced using synthetic carriers and 

solvent systems or any artificial preservative. 

(2) Beta-carotene extract color derived from carrots or algae (pigment CAS 1393-61-1). Derived 

from green algae, class Chlorophyceae.

(l) Kelp – for use only as a thickener and dietary supplement. Derived from Macrocystis pyrifera, 

Laminaria digitata, Laminaria saccharina and Laminaria cloustoni.

(t) Seaweed, Pacific Kombu, derived from Laminaria japonica, class Phaeophyceae

(x) Wakame Seaweed (Undaria pinnatifida). 

Motion by: JR

Seconded by: HA 

Additional discussion: A member acknowledged the complexity of the topic and thanked the lead 

for developing the proposal. She also indicated support for the continuation of this work beyond
this proposal. 

Yes: 9 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 0 Recuse: 0 

Motion to recommend that the NOP develop Guidance to clarify the term “kelp” as used in organic 

production and wild harvesting.

Motion by: JR

Seconded by: HA 

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 9 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 0 Recuse: 0

• Tocopherols (TF). Tocopherols is listed at 205.605(b). The group discussed two tocopherol 

proposals: one to annotate the listing at 205.605(b) and one to add tocopherols at 205.605(a). After 

some discussion, members indicated support of moving forward with the motion for annotating the 

listing at 205.605(b) and holding off on adding tocopherols to 205.605(a) until they can collect 

public comment. MA will insert a link in the document to the classification of materials guidance.

Motion to change the annotation for Tocopherols listed at 205.605(b) of the National List: “Derived 

from vegetable oil when rosemary extracts are not a suitable alternative” to the following 

annotation – “Derived from plant oils. Non-synthetic or organic tocopherols are to be used when 

commercially available.” 

Motion by: TF

Seconded by: JR

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 8 No: 0 Abstain: 1 Absent: 0 Recuse: 0 

• L-Methionine (TF). Petitioned for use in infant enteral formulas. During a previous review, the 

petitioner made a case for why L-Methionine should remain on the list, and were advised to 

petition. 

Motion to classify L-Methionine as petitioned as non-agricultural/synthetic

Motion by: TF

Seconded by: HA 

Additional discussion: 

Yes: 8 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 0 Recuse: 0 

Motion to add L methionine at §205.605(b) as petitioned, allowed in or on nutritionally complete 

enteral pediatric formulas labeled “organic” or “made with organic (specific ingredients)” with the 

annotation, “for use in nutritionally complete pediatric enteral formulas based on soy protein”. 

Motion by: TF

Seconded by: JR

Additional discussion: a member asked about use in adult enteral formula. Not petitioned for that. 

Yes: 9 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 0 Recuse: 0 

• 2019 sunsets (JR): Attapulgite, Bentonite, Diatomaceous earth - filter aids. The lead drafted the 

initial template and will pass them along to JM. These three substances were recently reviewed and 

the NOSB recommended they remain on the list.
• Magnesium chloride (JR). The TR was found sufficient. The group discussed the substance and the 

lead noted that the primary issue of concern is the classification, as magnesium chloride can be 

classified as synthetic, non synthetic, or both. MA will add link to new TR

• Potassium acid tartrate (JR) - The TR was found sufficient, and the lead felt the historical 

information was excellent. The substance and its uses was summarized for the members and the 

new lead reviewer. MA will add the link to the new TR. 

• Casings (JR). The lead noted that the review was straight forward. There are currently no 

alternatives or substitutes. There is no separation of organic animal intestines at time of slaughter 

from those of non-organic animals. 

• Sodium phosphates (HA and JR). The leads summarized the draft review and the questions for 

public comment. Cumulative impacts of phosphates are an item of concern. Questions include 

alternatives. MA will add link to the TR.

• 2019 sunsets (SR). Konjac Flour. Deferred to next call

• Other business. None

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

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

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

 L-Methionine (TF) - Discuss petition

Assign leads for sunset materials, and other projects

January 17, 2017

BPA (ZS) Discuss discussion document

Phosphates (JR) - discuss proposal

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

2019 sunsets (SR) - Konjac Flour

Tocopherols (TF) - Discuss proposals

L-Methionine (TF) - Discuss proposal

January 31, 2017 (rescheduled from Feb 7)

BPA (LD/AB) - Discuss discussion document

2019 sunsets (SR) - Konjac Flour

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 10, 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, January 31, 2017 1:00 pm ET 

Present: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Asa Bradman (AB); Tom Chapman (TC); Steve Ela (SE); Joelle Mosso (JM); 

Scott Rice (SR); A-dae Briones (ARB); Dave Mortensen (DM) - observer; Harriet Behar (HB) - observer

Absent: 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) SR 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 (delayed)

Jan 3, Fall 2017

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas

 

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 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

Jan 31, 

Feb 21

TBD

L-Methionine 205.605 AS 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 N Petition sent to HS on 10 21 16. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

17. Petition found sufficient. No TR 

request

Jan 3 TBD

Silver Dihydrogen 

Citrate

205.605(b) Petition sent to HS 01 24 17. 

Response/request for TR due 03 28 

17.

TBD
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) JM N Jan 17 Spr 2017

Bentonite 205.605(a) JM N Jan 17 “

Diatomaceous 

earth

205.605(a) JM 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) LD Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

12 12 16. Suff due 02 14 17. TR 

found sufficient 01 17 17

Jan 17 “

Potassium acid 

tartrate

205.605(b) SE Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

01 11 17. TR suff due 03 15 17. 

TR found sufficient 01 17 17

Jan 17 “

Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AS N Dec 20 “

Sodium 

phosphates

205.605(b) TC/LD 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 AB N Jan 17 “

Konjac flour 205.606 SR N Jan 31 “

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

LD/AB 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 2016 

meeting. Pending MS review

TBD

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TC 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)

TC Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm at fall 2016 meeting.

Scheduled for discussion 01 17 17. Deferred to fall 2017 meeting

Fall 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

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

SR 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. Voted 01 17 

17

Spr 2017

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

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

delayed until after classification guidance is published and TR is 

available. 

TBD

Ancillary substances 

used in cellulose

LD Voted: 01 03 17 Spr 2017

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 January 17, 2017 

• BPA (ZS) - discuss discussion document

• 2019 sunsets (SR) - Konjac Flour

• Other business - Silver Dihydrogen Citrate - assign lead

• Adjourn

Discussion

• HS Notes from January 17, 2017 were approved with no changes

• 2019 sunsets (SR). Konjac Flour. The lead summarized the uses and previous reviews, noting that 

the Board received no public comment during the last review. The HS will include questions for 

public comment for the next posting. 

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

the review for the new members. The proposal was sent back to the Subcommittee at the fall 2016 

meeting for further work. Members discussed the need or usefulness of a TR. The lead will have 

further discussions with the NOP about the best path forward and the HS will discuss it on the Feb 

21 call.

• BPA (LD/AB). Members have been contributing ideas on this document, and will continue the 

discussion and likely vote on the February 21 call. NOP will follow up and report back about 

questions regarding rulemaking. 

• Other business. 

o Short DNA tracers. The HS is waiting for additional info from the petitioner before moving 

forward. Several members provided some preliminary feedback about the petition, and the 

group will discuss on a future call. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes 

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

January 17, 2017

BPA (ZS) Discuss discussion document

Phosphates (JR) - discuss proposal

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

2019 sunsets (SR) - Konjac Flour 

Tocopherols (TF) - Discuss proposals

L-Methionine (TF) - Discuss proposal

January 31, 2017 (rescheduled from Feb 7)

BPA (LD/AB) - Discuss discussion document

2019 sunsets (SR) - Konjac Flour 

February 21, 2017

BPA (LD/AB) - Discuss/vote on discussion document

Short DNA tracers - Discuss next steps

Sodium chlorite (SR) - Discuss next steps

Silver Dihydrogen Citrate - Assign lead

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 10, 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, February 21, 2017 1:00 pm ET 

Present: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Asa Bradman (AB); Joelle Mosso (JM); Scott Rice (SR); Ashley Swaffar (AS); 

A-dae Briones (ARB); Harriet Behar (HB) - observer

Absent: Steve Ela (SE); 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) SR 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 (delayed)

Jan 3, Fall 2017

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 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

Jan 31, 

Feb 21

TBD

L-Methionine 205.605 AS 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 N Petition sent to HS on 10 21 16. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

17. Petition found sufficient. No TR 

request

Jan 3, 

Feb 21

TBD

Silver Dihydrogen 

Citrate

205.605(b) JM Petition sent to HS 01 24 17. 

Response/request for TR due 03 28 

17.

Mar 31 TBD

Japones pepper 205.606 Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17.
Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Ethiopian pepper 205.606 Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17.

Tamarind Seed Gum 205.606 Petition sent to HS 02 15 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 17

17.

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) JM N Jan 17 Spr 2017

Bentonite 205.605(a) JM N Jan 17 “

Diatomaceous 

earth

205.605(a) JM 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) LD Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

12 12 16. Suff due 02 14 17. TR 

found sufficient 01 17 17

Jan 17 “

Potassium acid 

tartrate

205.605(b) SE Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

01 11 17. TR suff due 03 15 17.

TR found sufficient 01 17 17

Jan 17 “
Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AS N Dec 20 “

Sodium 

phosphates

205.605(b) TC/LD 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 AB N Jan 17 “

Konjac flour 205.606 SR N Jan 31 “

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

LD/AB 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. Vote: 02 21 17

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 2016 

meeting. Pending MS review

TBD

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TC Review scheduled 9/6/16. Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm 

at fall 2016 meeting. Scheduled for discussion. Vote: 01 17 17

Spr 2017

Tocopherols. 

Additional Listing @ 

205.605(a)

TC Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm at Fall 2016 meeting.

Deferred to Fall 2017 meeting.

Fall 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

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

SR 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. Voted 01 17 

17

Spr 2017

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

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

delayed until after classification guidance is published and TR is 

available. 

TBD

Ancillary substances 

used in cellulose

LD Voted: 01 03 17 Spr 2017

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 January 31, 2017

• BPA (LD/AB) - Discuss/vote on discussion document

• Short DNA tracers - Discuss next steps

• Sodium chlorite (SR) - Discuss next steps

o Silver Dihydrogen Citrate - Assign lead

o Other items

o Adjourn

Discussion

o HS Notes from January 31, 2017 were approved with no changes

o BPA (LD/AB). The lead reviewed the changes to the draft document that were made since the last 

call, which was to remove policy options, and included more references. The document is 

essentially a review of the status of the issue and a request for public comment. The lead noted 

that currently there are data being aggregated on BPA and that the industry is already transitioning. 

Feels that this discussion document will garner more information. MA will find previous BPA 

comments -

Motion to accept discussion document with the addition of language as discussed during the call.

Motion by: SR

Seconded by: LD

Additional discussion: 

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

o Short DNA tracers. The lead summarized additional information regarding classification of short 

DNA tracers. At this time the group feels this is not necessary for organic production and is not 

recommending it be listed. 

Motion to classify short DNA tracers as petitioned, as non-agricultural and synthetic

Motion by: LD
Seconded by: SR 

Additional discussion: none

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

Motion to list short DNA tracers as petitioned at §205.605(b) 

Motion by: LD

Seconded by: AB 

Additional discussion: none

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

o Sodium chlorite (SR). The group discussed the next steps with regard to sodium chlorite. The 

petitioner submitted some additional information addressing questions the Board had at the fall 

2016 meeting. Commenters submitted information regarding worker safety and alternatives. The 

HS discussed the need for a TR and will wait to do so until they evaluate further information. 

o Silver Dihydrogen Citrate. JM volunteered to lead this review. 

o Other items: The HS received three petitions and will assign leads on next call. 

The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

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

January 31, 2017 (rescheduled from Feb 7)

BPA (LD/AB) - Discuss discussion document

2019 sunsets (SR) - Konjac Flour 

February 21, 2017

BPA (LD/AB) - Discuss/vote on discussion document

Short DNA tracers - Discuss next steps

Sodium chlorite (SR) - Discuss next steps

Silver Dihydrogen Citrate - Assign lead

March 7, 2017

Japones Pepper - Assign lead 

Ethiopian pepper - Assign lead 

Tamarind Seed Gum - Assign lead

March 21, 2017

Silver Dihydrogen Citrate - Petition sufficiency

April 4, 2017

April 18, 2017 . NOSB meeting Denver

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 10, 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, March 7, 2017 1:00 pm ET 

Present: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); Asa Bradman (AB); Tom Chapman (TC); Steve 

Ela (SE); Joelle Mosso (JM); A-dae Briones (ARB); Ashley Swaffar (AS); Harriet Behar (HB) - 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) SR 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 (delayed)

Jan 3, Fall 2017

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 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

Jan 31, 

Feb 21

TBD

L-Methionine 205.605 AS 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 N Petition sent to HS on 10 21 16. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

17. Petition found sufficient. No TR 

request

Jan 3, 

Feb 21

Spr 2017

Silver Dihydrogen 

Citrate

205.605(b) JM Y Petition sent to HS 01 24 17. 

Response/request for TR due 03 28 

17. Petition found sufficient 03 07 

17. HS requested TR 03 07 14

Mar 7 TBD

Japones pepper 205.606 ARB Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17.

Apr 4
Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Ethiopian pepper 205.606 ARB Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17.

Apr 4

Tamarind Seed Gum 205.606 SE Petition sent to HS 02 15 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 17

17.

Apr 4

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) JM N Jan 17 Spr 2017

Bentonite 205.605(a) JM N Jan 17 “

Diatomaceous 

earth

205.605(a) JM 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) LD Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

12 12 16. Suff due 02 14 17. TR 

found sufficient 01 17 17

Jan 17 “

Potassium acid 

tartrate

205.605(b) SE Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

01 11 17. TR suff due 03 15 17.

TR found sufficient 01 17 17

Jan 17 “
Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AS N Dec 20 “

Sodium 

phosphates

205.605(b) TC/LD 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 AB N Jan 17 “

Konjac flour 205.606 SR N Jan 31 “

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

LD/AB 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. Vote: 02 21 17

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 2016 

meeting. Pending MS review

TBD

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TC Review scheduled 9/6/16. Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm 

at fall 2016 meeting. Scheduled for discussion. Vote: 01 17 17

Spr 2017

Tocopherols. 

Additional Listing @ 

205.605(a)

TC Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm at Fall 2016 meeting.

Deferred to Fall 2017 meeting.

Fall 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

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

SR 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. Voted 01 17 

17

Spr 2017

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

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

delayed until after classification guidance is published and TR is 

available. 

TBD

Ancillary substances 

used in cellulose

LD Voted: 01 03 17 Spr 2017

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 February 21, 2017

• Silver Dihydrogen citrate - petition sufficiency (JM) 

• Ethiopian and Japones pepper petitions - assign lead

• Tamarind seed gum petition - assign lead

• Other items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• HS Notes from February 21, 2017 were approved with no changes

• Silver dihydrogen citrate (JM). The lead summarized the material and the HS deemed the petition 

sufficient. According to the petition, silver dihydrogen citrate is used in low concentration as a food 

contact sanitizer and disinfectant. It is non-corrosive, and has negligible human health concerns. 

The active compound is silver, as a silver ion in low concentration, and not a nanoparticle. It is a 

practical alternative in food manufacturing as it has dual uses. The group will request a TR to glean 

more information about environmental and/or human health issues. 

• Ethiopian and Japones pepper petitions. ARB volunteered to lead the reviews on the two peppers, 

since they were submitted by the same petitioner. The HS will discuss petition sufficiency on the 

April 4 call.

• Tamarind seed gum petition. SE volunteered to lead the review for this petition. The HS will discuss 

petition sufficiency on the April 4 call.

• Other items. The HS will cancel the March 21 call. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

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

February 21, 2017

BPA (LD/AB) - Discuss/vote on discussion document
Short DNA tracers - Discuss next steps

Sodium chlorite (SR) - Discuss next steps

Silver Dihydrogen Citrate - Assign lead

March 7, 2017

Japones Pepper - Assign lead 

Ethiopian pepper - Assign lead 

Tamarind Seed Gum - Assign lead

Silver Dihydrogen Citrate (JM) - Petition sufficiency

March 21, 2017- cancelled 

April 4, 2017

Japones Pepper (ARB) - discuss petition sufficiency

Ethiopian pepper (ARB) - discuss petition sufficiency

Tamarind Seed Gum (SE) - discuss petition sufficiency

Discuss public comment

April 18, 2017 . NOSB meeting Denver

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 10, 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, April 4, 2017 1:00 pm ET

Present: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); Asa Bradman (AB); Tom Chapman (TC); Steve 

Ela (SE); Joelle Mosso (JM); A-dae Briones (ARB); Ashley Swaffar (AS); Harriet Behar (HB) - observer; Jesse 

Buie (JB) - 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) SR 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. Delayed until 

Spring 2017

Jan 3, Fall 2017

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 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

Jan 31, 

Feb 21

TBD

L-Methionine 205.605 AS 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 N Petition sent to HS on 10 21 16. 

Response/request for TR due 01 04 

17. Petition found sufficient. No TR 

request

Jan 3, 

Feb 21

Spr 2017

Silver Dihydrogen 

Citrate

205.605(b) JM Y Petition sent to HS 01 24 17. 

Response/request for TR due 03 28 

17. Petition found sufficient 03 07 

17. HS requested TR 03 07 14

Mar 7 TBD
Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Japones pepper 205.606 ARB N Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17. Petition found suff 04 04 17. No 

TR.

Apr 4 Fall 2017

Ethiopian pepper 205.606 ARB N Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17. Petition found suff 04 04 17. No 

TR.

Apr 4 Fall 2017

Tamarind Seed Gum 205.606 SE Petition sent to HS 02 15 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 17 

17. HS will request additional info 

from the petitioner.

Apr 4 TBD

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) JM N Jan 17 Spr 2017

Bentonite 205.605(a) JM N Jan 17 “

Diatomaceous 

earth

205.605(a) JM 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 “

Chlorine Materials 

(Calcium 

hypochlorite, 

Chlorine dioxide, 

Sodium 

hypochlorite) 

205.605(b) AS N Dec 20 “

Carbon dioxide 205.605(b) LD N Dec 6 “
Magnesium 

chloride

205.605(b) LD Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

12 12 16. Suff due 02 14 17. TR 

found sufficient 01 17 17

Jan 17 “

Potassium acid 

tartrate

205.605(b) SE Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

01 11 17. TR suff due 03 15 17.

TR found sufficient 01 17 17

Jan 17 “

Sodium 

phosphates

205.605(b) TC/LD 2016 Phosphates - TR Request rec'd 

07 28 15; TR sent to HS on 02

10 2016; TR found sufficient on 

03 15 2016

Jan 17 “

Casings 205.606 AB N Jan 17 “

Konjac flour 205.606 SR N Jan 31 “

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

LD/AB 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. Vote: 02 21 17

Disc Doc

Spr 2017

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TC Review scheduled 9/6/16. Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm 

at fall 2016 meeting. Scheduled for discussion. Vote: 01 17 17

Spr 2017

Tocopherols. 

Additional Listing @ 

205.605(a)

TC Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm at Fall 2016 meeting.

Deferred to Fall 2017 meeting.

Fall 2017

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

TC Pending NOP Approval. Approved 01 12 16. Proposal. On hold. TBD

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts). Proposal

SR 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. Voted 01 17 

17

Spr 2017

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

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

delayed until after classification guidance is published and TR is 

available. 

TBD

Ancillary substances 

used in cellulose

LD Voted: 01 03 17 Spr 2017
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 March 7, 2017

• Japones Pepper (ARB) - discuss petition sufficiency

• Ethiopian pepper (ARB) - discuss petition sufficiency

• Tamarind Seed Gum (SE) - discuss petition sufficiency

• Discuss public comment

• Tocopherols

• Other items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• HS Notes from March 7 were approved with the following amendments:

o The phosphates work agenda item will be removed from the table above as of April 4, 

2017. The HS discussed this item during the December 6 2016 call, and will not move 

forward with this particular document. Instead, the HS requested that the discussion 

document be posted on the petitioned substances webpage as a way to maintain an 

archive of the work to date. Phosphates will be reviewed under sunset. 

o The draft rule on Nutrient Vitamins and Minerals (NVM) was never finalized, and as noted 

above, is pending. TC will lead the review if it moves forward. 

• Japones Pepper (ARB). The lead summarized the petition and uses. Japones pepper is being 

petitioned for use on 205.606. The petitioner indicated that it is not available in sufficient quantity

organically. The petition was found sufficient. 

• Ethiopian pepper (ARB). Similar petition to Japones peppers, and submitted by the same 

petitioner. The petitioner cited lack of commercial availability. They also noted that they are able to 

source this as seed, but not in the form of a pepper. The HS found the petition sufficient. 

• Tamarind Seed Gum (SE). Petitioned for inclusion on 205.606. As noted on the petition, tamarind 

seed gum has a wide variety of uses including as a powder to facilitate viscosity and mouth feel. 

The petitioner claims that the organic supply is not sufficient. A member noted that there are 

many suppliers, especially in India and Thailand. The group discussed alternatives and processing 

methods. The HS will ask some follow up questions from the petitioner. 

• Public comment. The group reviewed public comment for various documents and discussed the 

shortened comment period. During the next executive call the NOSB will discuss whether or not 

they have received adequate public comment, and if they are ready to vote on all proposals before 

them. 

• Tocopherols. The group discussed tocopherols specifically, and the determination was that the 

tocopherol proposal is fine as-is. A member offered that certifiers agree that tocopherols do not 

need to be listed both on 205.605(a) and 205.605(b) and that it is adequate to change the 

annotation at 205.605(b) to require nonsynthetic and organic versions be used if commercially 

available.

• Other items. None
• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

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

March 7, 2017

Japones Pepper - Assign lead 

Ethiopian pepper - Assign lead 

Tamarind Seed Gum - Assign lead

Silver Dihydrogen Citrate (JM) - Petition sufficiency

March 21, 2017- cancelled 

April 4, 2017

Japones Pepper (ARB) - discuss petition sufficiency

Ethiopian pepper (ARB) - discuss petition sufficiency

Tamarind Seed Gum (SE) - discuss petition sufficiency

Discuss public comment

April 18, 2017 . NOSB meeting Denver

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 10, 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, May 2, 2017 1:00 pm ET

Present: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); Asa Bradman (AB); Tom Chapman (TC); Steve 

Ela (SE); Joelle Mosso (JM); A-dae Briones (ARB); Harriet Behar (HB) - observer; Jesse Buie (JB) - observer

Absent: 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) SR 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. TR delayed until 

Spring 2017

TBD Fall 2017

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 SR Y 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. 

HS will request a TR.

May 16 TBD

Silver Dihydrogen 

Citrate

205.605(b) JM Y Petition sent to HS 01 24 17. 

Response/request for TR due 03 28 

17. Petition found sufficient 03 07 

17. HS requested TR 03 07 14

Mar 7 Fall 2017

Japones pepper 205.606 ARB N Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17. Petition found suff 04 04 17. No 

TR.

Apr 4, 

June 6

Fall 2017

Ethiopian pepper 205.606 ARB N Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17. Petition found suff 04 04 17. No 

TR.

Apr 4

June 6

Fall 2017
Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Tamarind Seed Gum 205.606 SE Petition sent to HS 02 15 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 17 

17. HS will request additional info 

from the petitioner.

Apr 4 Spr 2018

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

Summary: Spr 2017 Review: Fall 2017

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Attapulgite 205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 Fall 2017

Bentonite 205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 “

Diatomaceous 

earth

205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 “

Nitrogen 205.605(a) LD N May 16 “

Sodium carbonate 205.605(a) LD N Jun 6 “

Acidified sodium 

chlorite

205.605(b) AS N May 16 “

Chlorine Materials 

(Calcium 

hypochlorite, 

Chlorine dioxide, 

Sodium 

hypochlorite) 

205.605(b) AS N May 16 “

Carbon dioxide 205.605(b) LD N May 16 “

Magnesium 

chloride

205.605(b) LD Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

12 12 16. Suff due 02 14 17. TR 

found sufficient 01 17 17

Disc May 16 “

Potassium acid 

tartrate

205.605(b) SE Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

01 11 17. TR suff due 03 15 17.

TR found sufficient 01 17 17

May 16 “
Sodium 

phosphates

205.605(b) TC/LD 2016 Phosphates - TR Request rec'd 

07 28 15; TR sent to HS on 02

10 2016; TR found sufficient on 

03 15 2016

June 20 “

Casings 205.606 AB N Aug 1 “

Konjac flour 205.606 SR N Aug 15 “

Pectin (nonamidated forms 

only)

205.606 TC N June 6 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB 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. Vote: 02 21 17. New TR in development.

Proposal?

Fall 2017

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TC Review scheduled 9/6/16. Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm 

at fall 2016 meeting. Scheduled for discussion. Vote: 01 17 17. 

Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting

Fall 2017

Tocopherols. 

Additional Listing @ 

205.605(a)

TC Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm at Fall 2016 meeting.

Deferred to Fall 2017 meeting.

Fall 2017

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

TC Pending NOP Approval. Approved 01 12 16. Proposal. On hold. TBD

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts). Proposal

SR 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. Voted 01 17 

17. Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting

Fall 2017

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

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

delayed until after classification guidance is published and TR is 

available. 

Fall 2017?

Ancillary substances 

used in cellulose

LD Voted: 01 03 17. Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting Fall 2017

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 April 4, 2017

• Debrief - Denver meeting

• Assign dates for work agenda items. 

• Other items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• HS Notes from April 4, 2017 approved with a correction to the title of the agenda item on 

tocopherols

• Debrief - Denver meeting. The Chair asked for feedback about the meeting. The NOP noted that 

the updated member guide contains information about meeting flow and asked that the new 

members review it and send any feedback.

• Assign dates for work agenda items. The group reviewed the work agenda and assigned discussion 

dates for various substances. See table above and call schedule below for dates. Members 

discussed a possible annotation change to potassium acid tartrate and may request to add this to 

the work agenda. Members also discussed sodium chlorite, and feel that in order to move forward 

they will need to request a TR. The group will continue this discussion further on the May 16 call. 

The group also talked about how to move forward with the BPA project while awaiting the TR.

• Other items. None

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

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

April 4, 2017

Japones Pepper (ARB) - discuss petition sufficiency

Ethiopian pepper (ARB) - discuss petition sufficiency

Tamarind Seed Gum (SE) - discuss petition sufficiency

Discuss public comment

April 18, 2017 . NOSB meeting Denver

May 2, 2017

May 16, 2017

Sodium Chlorite for the generation of chlorine dioxide gas - Disc questions for TR

Nitrogen (LD) - Discuss proposal/vote

Acidified sodium chlorite (AS) - Discuss proposal/vote

Chlorine Materials (Calcium hypochlorite, Chlorine dioxide, Sodium hypochlorite) (AS) - Discuss 

proposal/vote

Carbon dioxide (LD) - Discuss proposal/vote

Magnesium chloride (LD) - Discuss proposal

Potassium acid tartrate (SE) - Discuss proposal/vote

June 6, 2017

Japones Pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote

Ethiopian pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote

Attapulgite (JM) - Discuss proposal/vote

Bentonite (JM) - Discuss proposal/vote

Diatomaceous earth (JM) - Discuss proposal/vote

Sodium carbonate (LD) - Discuss proposal/vote

Pectin (TC) - Discuss proposal/vote
June 20, 2017

Sodium phosphates (TC/LD) - Discuss proposal/vote

July 18, 2017

August 1, 2017

Casings (AB) - Discuss proposal/vote

August 15, 2017 -

BPA (AS) - Discuss if TR is available. 

Konjac Flour (SR) - Discuss proposal/vote

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

Fall 2017 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment ~May 5, 2017

NOSB Request for TRs for 2020 sunset materials July 17, 2017

NOP - Complete Fall 2017 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 11, 2017

NOSB - Fall 2017 proposals due to NOP Aug 29, 2017

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 12, 2017

Public comment closes Oct 11, 2017

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 13, 2017

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 16, 2017

Two Public comment webinars Oct 24, and if needed 26, 

2017

Fall 2017 NOSB meeting - Jacksonville, FL Oct 31- Nov 2, 2017
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 16, 2017 1:00 pm ET

Present: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Steve Ela (SE); Joelle Mosso (JM); A-dae Briones (ARB); Ashley Swaffar 

(AS); Asa Bradman (AB); Harriet Behar (HB) - observer; Jesse Buie (JB) - observer

Absent: Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); Tom Chapman (TC)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); 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) SR 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. TR delayed until 

Spring 2017

TBD Fall 2017

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 SR Y 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. 

HS will request a TR.

May 16 TBD

Silver Dihydrogen 

Citrate

205.605(b) JM Y Petition sent to HS 01 24 17. 

Response/request for TR due 03 28 

17. Petition found sufficient 03 07 

17. HS requested TR 03 07 14

Mar 7 Fall 2017

Japones pepper 205.606 ARB N Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17. Petition found suff 04 04 17. No 

TR.

Apr 4, 

June 6

Fall 2017

Ethiopian pepper 205.606 ARB N Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17. Petition found suff 04 04 17. No 

TR.

Apr 4

June 6

Fall 2017
Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Tamarind Seed Gum 205.606 SE Petition sent to HS 02 15 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 17 

17. HS will request additional info 

from the petitioner.

Apr 4 Spr 2018

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

Summary: Spr 2017 Review: Fall 2017

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Attapulgite 205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 Fall 2017

Bentonite 205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 “

Diatomaceous 

earth

205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 “

Nitrogen 205.605(a) LD N May 16 “

Sodium carbonate 205.605(a) LD N Jun 6 “

Acidified sodium 

chlorite

205.605(b) AS N May 16 “

Chlorine Materials 

(Calcium 

hypochlorite, 

Chlorine dioxide, 

Sodium 

hypochlorite) 

205.605(b) AS N May 16 “

Carbon dioxide 205.605(b) LD N May 16 “

Magnesium 

chloride

205.605(b) LD Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

12 12 16. Suff due 02 14 17. TR 

found sufficient 01 17 17

May 16 “

Potassium acid 

tartrate

205.605(b) SE Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

01 11 17. TR suff due 03 15 17.

TR found sufficient 01 17 17

May 16 “
Sodium 

phosphates

205.605(b) TC/LD 2016 Phosphates - TR Request rec'd 

07 28 15; TR sent to HS on 02

10 2016; TR found sufficient on 

03 15 2016

June 20 “

Casings 205.606 AB N Aug 1 “

Konjac flour 205.606 SR N Aug 15 “

Pectin (nonamidated forms 

only)

205.606 TC N June 6 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB 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. Vote: 02 21 17. New TR in development.

Proposal?

Fall 2017

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TC Review scheduled 9/6/16. Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm 

at fall 2016 meeting. Scheduled for discussion. Vote: 01 17 17. 

Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting

Fall 2017

Tocopherols. 

Additional Listing @ 

205.605(a)

TC Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm at Fall 2016 meeting.

Deferred to Fall 2017 meeting.

Fall 2017

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

TC Pending NOP Approval. Approved 01 12 16. Proposal. On hold. TBD

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts). Proposal

SR 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. Voted 01 17 

17. Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting

Fall 2017

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

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

delayed until after classification guidance is published and TR is 

available. 

Fall 2017

Ancillary substances 

used in cellulose

LD Voted: 01 03 17. Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting Fall 2017

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 May 2, 2017

• Sodium Chlorite for the generation of chlorine dioxide gas - Disc questions for TR

• Nitrogen (LD) - Discuss proposal/vote

• Acidified sodium chlorite (AS) - Discuss proposal/vote

• Chlorine Materials (Calcium hypochlorite, Chlorine dioxide, Sodium hypochlorite) (AS) - Discuss 

proposal/vote

• Carbon dioxide (LD) - Discuss proposal/vote

• Magnesium chloride (LD) - Discuss proposal

• Potassium acid tartrate (SE) - Discuss proposal/vote

• Marine materials (SR) - discuss next steps 

• Research priorities discussion (LD)

• Other items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• HS Notes from May 2, 2017

• Sodium Chlorite for the generation of chlorine dioxide gas (SR). Deferred to next call.

• Nitrogen (LD). Used for flash freezing and storage. Lots of comments in support of retaining it on 

the National List. 

Motion to remove nitrogen from 205.605(a) 

Motion by: LS

Seconded by: AS 

Additional discussion: none

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

• Acidified sodium chlorite (AS). The lead noted that it is essential for food safety. Commenters have

asked that the NOSB undertake a review of all sanitizers as a group. HS is discussing this project, but 

if they move it forward, it will occur separate from the current sunset review. 

Motion to remove acidified sodium chlorite from 205.605(b) 

Motion by: AS

Seconded by: LD 

Additional discussion: none

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

• Chlorine materials (Calcium hypochlorite, Chlorine dioxide, Sodium hypochlorite) (AS). The lead 

noted that stakeholders opposed to relisting want a comprehensive review of all sanitizers.

Handlers assert that chlorine materials are essential. There are alternatives but the lead noted that 

they are not as readily available to smaller operations. Additionally, there are some uses, e.g. as an

egg wash, where chlorine is required. A member added that, based on feedback from farmers in 

his regional area, they are concerned about health hazards associated with chlorine materials.

Motion to remove chlorine materials from 205.605(b) 

Motion by: AS

Seconded by: JM 

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 0 No: 6 Abstain: 0 Absent: 2 Recuse: 0
• Carbon dioxide (LD). Carbon dioxide (CO2) is used in packaging and freezing, carbonating 

beverages, extraction, processing, and pest control. All public comment was in favor of retention on 

the National List, and the NOSB recently voted (in 2015) for continued listing.

Motion to remove Carbon dioxide from 205.605(b) 

Motion by: LS

Seconded by: AS 

Additional discussion: none

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

• Magnesium chloride (LD). Used as a processing aid, firming agent and coagulant in tofu, and as an 

essential mineral in infant formula. The NOSB voted to relist this material in 2015. During that 

review the NOSB discussed an annotation for use in tofu production only. The lead noted that there 

are very few organic supplements already, so if it were restricted, it could have an economic impact 

on that industry. There was also a previous discussion about moving the listing from 205.605(a) 

because it is derived from seawater. The HS will reassess reclassification after the next comment 

period. 

Motion to remove Magnesium chloride from 205.605(b)

Motion by: LD

Seconded by: AS 

Additional discussion: none

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

• Potassium acid tartrate (SE). The group discussed the use of this material, and the potential for 

reclassifying this as non-synthetic, agricultural. The Chair will request the addition of this to the 

work agenda during the next ES call. 

Motion to remove Potassium acid tartrate from 205.605(b) 

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: AS

Additional discussion: none

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

• Marine materials (SR). Deferred to next call

• Research priorities discussion (LD). Last year’s research priorities were circulated to the NOSB for 

review and consideration. Members discussed possible new topics for this year’s priorities. A 

member emphasized that celery powder is a crucial topic and should remain on the list, but the 

topic of consumer demand may not be something that should go forward. 

• Other items. None

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

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

May 2, 2017

May 16, 2017

Sodium Chlorite for the generation of chlorine dioxide gas - Disc questions for TR
Nitrogen (LD) - Discuss proposal/vote

Acidified sodium chlorite (AS) - Discuss proposal/vote

Chlorine Materials (Calcium hypochlorite, Chlorine dioxide, Sodium hypochlorite) (AS) - Discuss 

proposal/vote

Carbon dioxide (LD) - Discuss proposal/vote

Magnesium chloride (LD) - Discuss proposal

Potassium acid tartrate (SE) - Discuss proposal/vote

June 6, 2017

Sodium Chlorite for the generation of chlorine dioxide gas - Disc questions for TR

Japones Pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote

Ethiopian pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote

Attapulgite (JM) - Discuss proposal/vote

Bentonite (JM) - Discuss proposal/vote

Diatomaceous earth (JM) - Discuss proposal/vote

Sodium carbonate (LD) - Discuss proposal/vote

Pectin (TC) - Discuss proposal/vote

Marine Materials (SR)

June 20, 2017

Sodium phosphates (TC/LD) - Discuss proposal/vote

July 18, 2017

August 1, 2017

Casings (AB) - Discuss proposal/vote

August 15, 2017 -

BPA (AS) - Discuss if TR is available. 

Konjac Flour (SR) - Discuss proposal/vote

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

Fall 2017 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment ~May 5, 2017

NOSB Request for TRs for 2020 sunset materials July 17, 2017

NOP - Complete Fall 2017 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 11, 2017

NOSB - Fall 2017 proposals due to NOP Aug 29, 2017

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 12, 2017

Public comment closes Oct 11, 2017

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 13, 2017
NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 16, 2017

Two Public comment webinars Oct 24, and if needed 26, 

2017

Fall 2017 NOSB meeting - Jacksonville, FL Oct 31- Nov 2, 2017
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 6, 2017 1:00 pm ET

Present: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Steve Ela (SE); Joelle Mosso (JM); Ashley Swaffar (AS); Asa Bradman (AB); 

Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); Tom Chapman (TC)

Absent: A-dae Briones (ARB)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); 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) SR 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. TR delayed until 

Spring 2017. TR sent to HS 05 30 17. 

Response due 08 01 17

Aug 1 Fall 2017

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 SR Y 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. 

HS requested a TR 06 06 17.

May 16, 

Jun 6,

TBD

Silver Dihydrogen 

Citrate

205.605(b) JM Y Petition sent to HS 01 24 17. 

Response/request for TR due 03 28 

17. Petition found sufficient 03 07 

17. HS requested TR 03 07 14. TR in 

development.

Mar 7 Fall 2017

Japones pepper 205.606 ARB N Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17. Petition found suff 04 04 17. No 

TR.

Apr 4, 

June 20

Fall 2017

Ethiopian pepper 205.606 ARB N Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17. Petition found suff 04 04 17. No 

TR.

Apr 4

June 20

Fall 2017
Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Tamarind Seed Gum 205.606 SE Petition sent to HS 02 15 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 17 

17. HS requested additional info 

from the petitioner 04 04.

Apr 4 Spr 2018

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

Summary: Spr 2017 Review: Fall 2017

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Attapulgite 205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 Fall 2017

Bentonite 205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 “

Diatomaceous 

earth

205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 “

Nitrogen 205.605(a) LD N May 16 “

Sodium carbonate 205.605(a) LD N Jun 6 “

Acidified sodium 

chlorite

205.605(b) AS N May 16 “

Chlorine Materials 

(Calcium 

hypochlorite, 

Chlorine dioxide, 

Sodium 

hypochlorite) 

205.605(b) AS N May 16 “

Carbon dioxide 205.605(b) LD N May 16 “

Magnesium 

chloride

205.605(b) LD Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

12 12 16. Suff due 02 14 17. TR 

found sufficient 01 17 17

May 16 “

Potassium acid 

tartrate

205.605(b) SE Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

01 11 17. TR suff due 03 15 17.

TR found sufficient 01 17 17

May 16 “
Sodium 

phosphates

205.605(b) TC/LD 2016 Phosphates - TR Request rec'd 

07 28 15; TR sent to HS on 02

10 2016; TR found sufficient on 

03 15 2016

June 20 “

Casings 205.606 AB N Aug 1 “

Konjac flour 205.606 SR N Aug 15 “

Pectin (nonamidated forms 

only)

205.606 TC N June 6 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB 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. Vote: 02 21 17. New TR in development.

Proposal?

Fall 2017

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TC Review scheduled 9/6/16. Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm 

at fall 2016 meeting. Scheduled for discussion. Vote: 01 17 17. 

Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting

Fall 2017

Tocopherols. 

Additional Listing @ 

205.605(a)

TC Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm at Fall 2016 meeting.

Deferred to Fall 2017 meeting.

Fall 2017

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

TC Pending NOP Approval. Approved 01 12 16. Proposal. On hold. TBD?

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts). Proposal

SR 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. Voted 01 17 

17. Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting

Spr 2018

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

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

delayed until after classification guidance is published and TR is 

available. 

Spr 2018

Ancillary substances 

used in cellulose

LD Voted: 01 03 17. Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting Fall 2017

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 May 16, 2017

• Japones Pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote

• Ethiopian pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote

• Sodium carbonate (LD) - Discuss proposal/vote

• Pectin (TC) - Discuss proposal/vote

• Sodium Chlorite for the generation of chlorine dioxide gas - Disc questions for TR

• Marine Materials (SR)

• Attapulgite (JM) - Discuss proposal/vote

• Bentonite (JM) - Discuss proposal/vote

• Diatomaceous earth (JM) - Discuss proposal/vote

• Other items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• HS Notes from May 16, 2017 approved with no changes

• Japones Pepper (ARB). Deferred to next call

• Ethiopian pepper (ARB). Deferred to next call

• Sodium carbonate (LD). The lead summarized the material, and noted that she added public 

comment to the review. One commenter asked a question about how the substance must be 

manufactured to be considered nonsynthetic. The NOSB voted unanimously during the last review 

to continue listing. 

Motion to remove sodium carbonate from §205.605(a)

Motion by: LD

Seconded by: AS 

Additional discussion: none

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

• Pectin (TC). The lead indicated that there has been little change in the use of pectin since last 

review. The NOSB received comments during the first posting that will be summarized in the 

review. Most commenters were supportive of relisting, as it meets all OFPA criteria and there is a 

limited organic supply. 

Motion to remove pectin (non-amidated forms only) from §205.606 

Motion by: TC

Seconded by: AS 

Additional discussion: none

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

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

that were received during the last posting. The HS will request a full TR, and the members discussed 

questions to include in the request. The lead invited additional questions from members. 

• Marine Materials (SR). Marine materials are being reviewed by both the Crops and Handling 

Subcommittees. Both lead reviewers will meet to discuss the topic further. Initially, sustainability 
was a focus, but the NOSB found that it was difficult to address this due to lack of metrics and 

standards. Additionally, issues are often site-specific and that makes it challenging. There is broad 

agreement and concern that this is an issue, and the HS and CS will continue to work on this 

project. LD volunteered to assist, and the lead welcomed others to participate.

• Attapulgite (JM). The lead added a summary of comments from last posting. Attapulgite is not

apparently in widespread use. 

Motion to remove attapulgite from §205.605(a)

Motion by: JM

Seconded by: AS 

Additional discussion: none

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

• Bentonite (JM). The lead noted that bentonite is used extensively by the wine industry. The HS 

sees no reason to remove this from the National List, but noted that previous commenters 

mentioned the potential impacts of mining activities associated with manufacture. No information 

about those impacts was provided.

Motion to remove bentonite from §205.605(a)

Motion by: JM

Seconded by: AS 

Additional discussion: none

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

• Diatomaceous earth (JM). The lead noted that diatomaceous earth is used by the wine industry. 

The HS sees no reason to remove this from the National List, but noted that previous commenters 

mentioned the potential impacts of mining activities associated with manufacture. No information 

about those impacts was provided.

Motion to remove diatomaceous earth from §205.605(a)

Motion by: JM

Seconded by: AS 

Additional discussion: none

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

• Other items. None

• The meeting was adjourned

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

May 16, 2017

Sodium Chlorite for the generation of chlorine dioxide gas - Disc questions for TR

Nitrogen (LD) - Discuss proposal/vote

Acidified sodium chlorite (AS) - Discuss proposal/vote

Chlorine Materials (Calcium hypochlorite, Chlorine dioxide, Sodium hypochlorite) (AS) - Discuss 

proposal/vote

Carbon dioxide (LD) - Discuss proposal/vote

Magnesium chloride (LD) - Discuss proposal

Potassium acid tartrate (SE) - Discuss proposal/vote

June 6, 2017

Sodium Chlorite for the generation of chlorine dioxide gas - Disc questions for TR

Japones Pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote

Ethiopian pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote

Attapulgite (JM) - Discuss proposal/vote

Bentonite (JM) - Discuss proposal/vote

Diatomaceous earth (JM) - Discuss proposal/vote

Sodium carbonate (LD) - Discuss proposal/vote

Pectin (TC) - Discuss proposal/vote

Marine Materials (SR)

June 20, 2017

Sodium phosphates (TC/LD) - Discuss proposal/vote

Japones Pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote

Ethiopian pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote

Assign leads to 2020 sunset materials for TR requests

Research Priorities - discuss fall 2017 submissions

July 18, 2017

August 1, 2017

Casings (AB) - Discuss proposal/vote

Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS). TR sufficiency

August 15, 2017 -

BPA (AS) - Discuss if TR is available. 

Konjac Flour (SR) - Discuss proposal/vote

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

Fall 2017 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment ~May 5, 2017

NOSB Request for TRs for 2020 sunset materials July 17, 2017
2020 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2017, Summary: Spr 2018, Review: Fall 2018

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Calcium carbonate 205.605(a) 1995 TAP Summary: 

Spr 2018 

Review: 

Fall 2018

Flavors 205.605(a) 2005 TR

Gellan Gum 205.605(a) 2006 TAP

Oxygen 205.605(a) 1995 TAP

Potassium 

chloride

205.605(a) 1995 TAP; 2015 TR for Nutrient 

vitamins and minerals

Alginates 205.605(b) 1995 TAP; 2015 TR

Calcium hydroxide 205.605(b) 1995 TAP

Ethylene 205.605(b) 1995 TAP; 1999 TAP -

Processing

Glycerides: mono 

and di

205.605(b) 1995 TAP; 2015 TR

Magnesium 

stearate

205.605(b) 1995 TAP

Phosphoric acid 205.605(b) 2003 TAP

NOP - Complete Fall 2017 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 11, 2017

NOSB - Fall 2017 proposals due to NOP Aug 29, 2017

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 12, 2017

Public comment closes Oct 11, 2017

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 13, 2017

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 16, 2017

Two Public comment webinars Oct 24, and if needed 26, 

2017

Fall 2017 NOSB meeting - Jacksonville, FL Oct 31- Nov 2, 2017
Potassium 

carbonate

205.605(b) 1995 TAP

Sulfur dioxide 205.605(b) 1995 TAP; 2011 TR

Xanthan gum 205.605(b) 1995 TAP; 2016 TR

Fructooligosacchar

ides

205.606 2006 TAP; 2015 TR

Gums: Arabic, 

Carob bean, Guar, 

Locust bean

205.606 1995 TAP

Lecithin - de-oiled 205.606 1995 TAP; 2009 TR 

Tragacanth gum 205.606 None
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 20, 2017 1:00 pm ET

Present: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); Steve Ela (SE); Joelle Mosso (JM); Tom 

Chapman (TC); A-dae Briones (ARB); Harriet Behar (HB) - observer

Absent: Ashley Swaffar (AS); Asa Bradman (AB)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); 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) SR 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. TR delayed until 

Spring 2017. TR sent to HS 05 30 17. 

Response due 08 01 17

Aug 1 Fall 2017

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 SR Y 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. 

HS requested a TR 06 06 17.

May 16, 

Jun 6,

TBD

Silver Dihydrogen 

Citrate

205.605(b) JM Y Petition sent to HS 01 24 17. 

Response/request for TR due 03 28 

17. Petition found sufficient 03 07 

17. HS requested TR 03 07 14. TR in 

development.

Mar 7 Fall 2017

Japones pepper 205.606 ARB N Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17. Petition found suff 04 04 17. No 

TR.

Apr 4, 

Jul 18

Fall 2017

Ethiopian pepper 205.606 ARB N Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17. Petition found suff 04 04 17. No 

TR.

Apr 4

Jul 18

Fall 2017
Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Tamarind Seed Gum 205.606 SE Petition sent to HS 02 15 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 17 

17. HS requested additional info 

from the petitioner 04 04.

Apr 4 Spr 2018

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

Summary: Spr 2017 Review: Fall 2017

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Attapulgite 205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 Fall 2017

Bentonite 205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 “

Diatomaceous 

earth

205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 “

Nitrogen 205.605(a) LD N May 16 “

Sodium carbonate 205.605(a) LD N Jun 6 “

Acidified sodium 

chlorite

205.605(b) AS N May 16 “

Chlorine Materials 

(Calcium 

hypochlorite, 

Chlorine dioxide, 

Sodium 

hypochlorite) 

205.605(b) AS N May 16 “

Carbon dioxide 205.605(b) LD N May 16 “

Magnesium 

chloride

205.605(b) LD Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

12 12 16. Suff due 02 14 17. TR 

found sufficient 01 17 17

May 16 “

Potassium acid 

tartrate

205.605(b) SE Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

01 11 17. TR suff due 03 15 17.

TR found sufficient 01 17 17

May 16 “
Sodium 

phosphates

205.605(b) TC/LD 2016 Phosphates - TR Request rec'd 

07 28 15; TR sent to HS on 02

10 2016; TR found sufficient on 

03 15 2016

Aug “

Casings 205.606 AB N Aug 1 “

Konjac flour 205.606 SR N Aug 15 “

Pectin (nonamidated forms 

only)

205.606 TC N June 6 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB 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. Vote: 02 21 17. New TR in development. Expected July 

2017. 

Proposal?

Fall 2017

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TC Review scheduled 9/6/16. Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm 

at fall 2016 meeting. Scheduled for discussion. Vote: 01 17 17. 

Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting

Update Fall

2017

Tocopherols. 

Additional Listing @ 

205.605(a)

TC Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm at Fall 2016 meeting.

Deferred to Fall 2017 meeting.

Update Fall 

2017

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

TC Pending NOP Approval. Approved 01 12 16. Proposal. On hold. TBD?

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts). Proposal

SR 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. Voted 01 17 

17. Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting

Spr 2018

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

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

delayed until after classification guidance is published and TR is 

available. 

Spr 2018

Ancillary substances 

used in cellulose

LD Voted: 01 03 17. Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting Fall 2017

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 June 6, 2017 notes

• Sodium phosphates (TC/LD) - Discuss proposal/vote

• Japones Pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote

• Ethiopian pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote

• Assign leads for 2020 Sunset materials (deadline 7/18)

• Research priorities - discuss so final priorities can be submitted to Materials Subcommittee 

• Discuss tocopherols and any next steps (TC) 

• Other items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• HS Notes from June 6, 2017 approved with no changes.

• Sodium phosphates (TC/LD). The co-leads continue to work on this topic and are waiting for a 

report from the International Food Additives Council (IFAC) for additional information. The group 

discussed alternatives. The HS will continue the discussion and vote on a future call. 

• Japones Pepper (ARB). Deferred to the next call.

• Ethiopian pepper (ARB). Deferred to the next call.

• 2020 Sunset materials. The HS members volunteered to take the lead on the 2020 sunset reviews. 

See table below. All but two of the substances were reviewed in 2015. The deadline to submit TR 

requests is July 19. 

• Research priorities. The members discussed the previous list of research priorities (listed below) to 

determine if they will add or amend it for the next submission. The research priorities are due to 

the Materials Subcommittee in July. 

o Chlorine materials and alternatives. The HS will leave this on the list, as they have gotten 

lots of interest from stakeholders. The members are exploring the idea of reviewing all 

sanitizers as a group, which would include chlorine materials. 

o Celery powder. The Board, as well as stakeholders, feel this is a pressing issue. Currently 

there is an OTA working group reviewing the use of celery powder, and the HS would like to 

keep it as a priority.

o BPA. This will remain on the research priority list, but the HS would like to augment the 

topic with more specific issues that need to be addressed, such as alternatives. The HS is 

currently waiting for a technical report.

o Consumer demand. The group will remove this topic from the research priorities. The 

consensus is that this is not well suited to the research community. A member noted that 

this may possibly be an issue that could be addressed through the organic checkoff 

program. 

• Tocopherols (TC). The lead gave an overview of the previous work on tocopherols. There were two 

proposals; one for an annotation change and one for a reclassification. Both proposals were sent 

back to Subcommittee for additional work at a previous meeting. The goal was to list tocopherols 

as non-synthetic, however, the lead indicated that this would be complicated, as tocopherols can 

be produced in a variety of ways. Additionally, the lead noted that the industry uses the terms 

synthetic and non-synthetic differently than meant by organic regulations. There were varied 

opinions by stakeholders about the need for this change or clarification. The HS will defer work on 

this for now, and provide an update on this work at the fall meeting. 

• Other items. None

• The meeting was adjourned
Previous HS Notes

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

June 6, 2017

Sodium Chlorite for the generation of chlorine dioxide gas - Disc questions for TR

Japones Pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote

Ethiopian pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote

Attapulgite (JM) - Discuss proposal/vote

Bentonite (JM) - Discuss proposal/vote

Diatomaceous earth (JM) - Discuss proposal/vote

Sodium carbonate (LD) - Discuss proposal/vote

Pectin (TC) - Discuss proposal/vote

Marine Materials (SR)

June 20, 2017

Sodium phosphates (TC/LD) - Discuss proposal/vote

Japones Pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote

Ethiopian pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote

Assign leads to 2020 sunset materials for TR requests

Research Priorities - discuss Fall 2017 submissions

July 18, 2017

 Japones Pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote

Ethiopian pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote

2020 sunset materials - TR requests

Research Priorities - Finalize Fall 2017 submissions

August 1, 2017

Casings (AB) - Discuss proposal/vote

Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS). TR sufficiency

Sodium phosphates (TC/LD) - Discuss proposal/vote

August 15, 2017 -

BPA (AS) - Discuss if TR is available. 

Konjac Flour (SR) - Discuss proposal/vote

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

Fall 2017 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment ~May 5, 2017

NOSB Request for TRs for 2020 sunset materials July 17, 2017
2020 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2017, Summary: Spr 2018, Review: Fall 2018

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Calcium carbonate 205.605(a) SR 1995 TAP Summary: 

Spr 2018 

Review: 

Fall 2018

Flavors 205.605(a) TC 2005 TR

Gellan Gum 205.605(a) JM 2006 TAP

Oxygen 205.605(a) LB 1995 TAP

Potassium 

chloride

205.605(a) AS 1995 TAP; 2015 TR for Nutrient 

vitamins and minerals

Alginates 205.605(b) SE 1995 TAP; 2015 TR

Calcium hydroxide 205.605(b) AS 1995 TAP

Ethylene 205.605(b) AB 1995 TAP; 1999 TAP -

Processing

Glycerides: mono 

and di

205.605(b) LD 1995 TAP; 2015 TR

Magnesium 

stearate

205.605(b) AB 1995 TAP

Phosphoric acid 205.605(b) AS 2003 TAP

NOP - Complete Fall 2017 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 11, 2017

NOSB - Fall 2017 proposals due to NOP Aug 29, 2017

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 12, 2017

Public comment closes Oct 11, 2017

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 13, 2017

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 16, 2017

Two Public comment webinars Oct 24, and if needed 26, 

2017

Fall 2017 NOSB meeting - Jacksonville, FL Oct 31- Nov 2, 2017
Potassium 

carbonate

205.605(b) SR 1995 TAP

Sulfur dioxide 205.605(b) SE 1995 TAP; 2011 TR

Xanthan gum 205.605(b) JM 1995 TAP; 2016 TR

Fructooligosacchar

ides (FOS)

205.606 TC 2006 TAP; 2015 TR

Gums: Arabic, 

Carob bean, Guar, 

Locust bean

205.606(k) JM 1995 TAP

Lecithin - de-oiled 205.606 AB 1995 TAP; 2009 TR 

Tragacanth gum 205.606 JM None
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 18, 2017 1:00 pm ET

Present: Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); Steve Ela (SE); Joelle Mosso (JM); Tom Chapman (TC); A-dae Briones 

(ARB); Ashley Swaffar (AS); Asa Bradman (AB); Harriet Behar (HB) - observer

Absent: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Devon Pattillo (DP)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

Petition Addendum 

#1, SDBS (PDF)

205.605(b) SR 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. TR delayed until 

Spring 2017. TR sent to HS 05 30 17. 

Response due 08 01 17. Petition 

addendum sent to HS 07 12 17.

Aug 1 Fall 2017

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 SR Y 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. 

HS requested a TR 06 06 17.

May 16, 

Jun 6,

Spr 2018

Silver Dihydrogen 

Citrate

205.605(b) JM Y Petition sent to HS 01 24 17. 

Response/request for TR due 03 28 

17. Petition found sufficient 03 07 

17. HS requested TR 03 07 14. TR in 

development.

Mar 7 Spr 2018

Japones pepper 205.606 ARB N Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17. Petition found suff 04 04 17. No 

TR.

Apr 4, 

Jul 18

Fall 2017
Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Ethiopian pepper 205.606 ARB N Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17. Petition found suff 04 04 17. No 

TR.

Apr 4

Jul 18

Fall 2017

Tamarind Seed Gum 205.606 SE Petition sent to HS 02 15 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 17 

17. HS requested additional info 

from the petitioner 04 04.

Apr 4 Spr 2018

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

Summary: Spr 2017 Review: Fall 2017

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Attapulgite 205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 Fall 2017

Bentonite 205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 “

Diatomaceous 

earth

205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 “

Nitrogen 205.605(a) LD N May 16 “

Sodium carbonate 205.605(a) LD N Jun 6 “

Acidified sodium 

chlorite

205.605(b) AS N May 16 “

Chlorine Materials 

(Calcium 

hypochlorite, 

Chlorine dioxide, 

Sodium 

hypochlorite) 

205.605(b) AS N May 16 “

Carbon dioxide 205.605(b) LD N May 16 “

Magnesium 

chloride

205.605(b) LD Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

12 12 16. Suff due 02 14 17. TR 

found sufficient 01 17 17

May 16 “
Potassium acid 

tartrate

205.605(b) SE Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

01 11 17. TR suff due 03 15 17.

TR found sufficient 01 17 17

May 16 “

Sodium 

phosphates

205.605(b) TC/LD 2016 Phosphates - TR Request rec'd 

07 28 15; TR sent to HS on 02

10 2016; TR found sufficient on 

03 15 2016

Aug 1 “

Casings 205.606 AB N Aug 1 “

Konjac flour 205.606 SR N Aug 15 “

Pectin (nonamidated forms 

only)

205.606 TC N June 6 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB 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. Vote: 02 21 17. New TR in development. Expected July 

2017, TR received 07 10 17. Response due 09 08 17.

Fall 2017

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TC Review scheduled 9/6/16. Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm 

at fall 2016 meeting. Scheduled for discussion. Vote: 01 17 17. 

Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting

Update Fall

2017

Tocopherols. 

Additional Listing @ 

205.605(a)

TC Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm at Fall 2016 meeting.

Deferred to Fall 2017 meeting.

Update Fall 

2017

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

TC Pending NOP Approval. Approved 01 12 16. Proposal. On hold. TBD

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts). Proposal

SR 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. Voted 01 17 

17. Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting

Spr 2018

Reclassification of 

Magnesium chloride

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

delayed until after classification guidance is published and TR is 

available. 

Spr 2018

Ancillary substances 

used in cellulose

LD Voted: 01 03 17. Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting Fall 2017

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 June 20, 2017 notes

• 2020 sunset materials - TR requests

• Japones Pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote

• Ethiopian pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote

• Research Priorities - Finalize Fall 2017 submissions

• Adjourn

Discussion

• HS Notes from June 20, 2017 approved with no changes.

• 2020 sunset materials (All). The group determined the need for TRs for the 2020 sunsets. See table 

below. 

• Japones Pepper (ARB). The lead summarized the substance and petition. The HS did not request a 

TR as the only aspect in question is about organic supply, which the TR will not answer. Members 

discussed why the peppers may not be readily available and noted that there could be a limited 

number of facilities that process small batches of peppers. The HS will ask the petitioner additional 

questions regarding alternate substances, and about their attempts to source the peppers, and will 

return to the discussion at a later date. 

• Ethiopian Pepper (ARB). The lead noted that the petition for Ethiopian peppers is similar to the 

Japones pepper in that it states there is a lack of organic supply. The HS will ask the petitioner 

additional questions regarding alternate substances and their attempts to source these peppers, 

and will return to the discussion at a later date. 

• Research Priorities. The group discussed some minor modifications to the language in the research 

priority on BPA. The lead noted that the new TR is much more thorough, and the HS will complete 

its review and determine sufficiency by September 8. During the last posting of the BPA document, 

commenters noted that they did not have enough time to answer the NOSB questions, and the 

group discussed reposting the previous document for additional comments. A member added that 

many operations have already eliminated BPA from canned and jarred products. The group also 

discussed regulatory authority, and will discuss this more on the next call. 

• Other items - none

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

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

June 20, 2017

Sodium phosphates (TC/LD) - Discuss proposal/vote

Japones Pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote

Ethiopian pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote

Assign leads to 2020 sunset materials for TR requests

Research Priorities - discuss Fall 2017 submissions

July 18, 2017

 Japones Pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal

Ethiopian pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal
2020 sunset materials - TR requests

Research Priorities - Finalize Fall 2017 submissions

August 1, 2017

Japones Pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote

Ethiopian pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote

BPA (LD/AB) - Discuss TR/determine sufficiency

Casings (AB) - Discuss proposal/vote

Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS). TR sufficiency

Sodium phosphates (TC/LD) - Discuss proposal/vote

August 14, 2017. Public web conference (NOSB)

August 15, 2017 -

BPA (AS) - Discuss proposal

Konjac Flour (SR) - Discuss proposal/vote

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

Fall 2017 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 30, 2017

NOSB Request for TRs for 2020 sunset materials July 19, 2017

NOP - Draft Fall 2017 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 11, 2017

NOSB public web conference Aug 14, 2017 

NOSB - Fall 2017 proposals due to NOP Aug 29, 2017

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 12, 2017

Public comment closes Oct 11, 2017

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 13, 2017

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 16, 2017

Two Public comment webinars Oct 24, and if needed 26, 2017

Fall 2017 NOSB meeting - Jacksonville, FL Oct 31- Nov 2, 2017
2020 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2017, Summary: Spr 2018, Review: Fall 2018

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Calcium carbonate 205.605(a) SR Y low 1995 TAP Summary: 

Spr 2018 

Review: 

Fall 2018

Flavors 205.605(a) TC N 2005 TR “

Gellan Gum 205.605(a) JM N 2006 TAP “

Oxygen 205.605(a) LD Y low 1995 TAP “

Potassium 

chloride

205.605(a) AS N 1995 TAP; 2015 TR for Nutrient 

vitamins and minerals

“

Alginates 205.605(b) SE N 1995 TAP; 2015 TR “

Calcium hydroxide 205.605(b) AS Y 1995 TAP “

Ethylene 205.605(b) AB Y unless 

crops 

does

1995 TAP; 1999 TAP -

Processing

“

Glycerides: mono 

and di

205.605(b) LD N 1995 TAP; 2015 TR “

Magnesium 

stearate

205.605(b) AB Y 1995 TAP “

Phosphoric acid 205.605(b) AS Y may 

request 

in LS also

2003 TAP “

Potassium 

carbonate

205.605(b) SR Y low 1995 TAP “

Sulfur dioxide 205.605(b) SE N 1995 TAP; 2011 TR “

Xanthan gum 205.605(b) JM N 1995 TAP; 2016 TR “

Fructooligosacchar

ides (FOS)

205.606 TC N 2006 TAP; 2015 TR “

Gums: Arabic, 

Carob bean, Guar, 

Locust bean

205.606(k) JM Y 1995 TAP “

Lecithin - de-oiled 205.606 AB N 1995 TAP; 2009 TR “

Tragacanth gum 205.606 JM Y None “
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 1, 2017 1:00 pm ET

Present: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Steve Ela (SE); Joelle Mosso (JM); Tom Chapman (TC); A-dae Briones 

(ARB); Ashley Swaffar (AS); Asa Bradman (AB); Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); Harriet Behar (HB) - observer

Absent: none

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Devon Pattillo (DP)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

Petition Addendum 

#1, SDBS (PDF)

205.605(b) SR 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. TR delayed until 

Spring 2017. TR sent to HS 05 30 17. 

Response due 08 01 17. Petition 

addendum sent to HS 07 12 17. The 

HS found the petition addendum

suff 08 01 17

Aug 1, 

Aug 15

Fall 2017?

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 SR Y 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. 

HS requested a TR 06 06 17.

May 16, 

Jun 6,

Spr 2018

Silver Dihydrogen 

Citrate

205.605(b) JM Y Petition sent to HS 01 24 17. 

Response/request for TR due 03 28 

17. Petition found sufficient 03 07 

17. HS requested TR 03 07 14. TR in 

development.

Mar 7 Spr 2018

Japones pepper 205.606 ARB N Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17. Petition found suff 04 04 17. No 

TR. HS requested additional info 

from petitioner 07 19 17

Apr 4, 

Jul 18

Fall 2017?
Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Ethiopian pepper 205.606 ARB N Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17. Petition found suff 04 04 17. No 

TR. HS requested additional info 

from petitioner 07 19 17

Apr 4

Jul 18

Fall 2017?

Tamarind Seed Gum 205.606 SE Petition sent to HS 02 15 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 17 

17. HS requested additional info 

from the petitioner 04 04 17.

Apr 4 Spr 2018

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

Summary: Spr 2017 Review: Fall 2017

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Attapulgite 205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 Fall 2017

Bentonite 205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 “

Diatomaceous 

earth

205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 “

Nitrogen 205.605(a) LD N May 16 “

Sodium carbonate 205.605(a) LD N Jun 6 “

Acidified sodium 

chlorite

205.605(b) AS N May 16 “

Chlorine Materials 

(Calcium 

hypochlorite, 

Chlorine dioxide, 

Sodium 

hypochlorite) 

205.605(b) AS N May 16 “

Carbon dioxide 205.605(b) LD N May 16 “

Magnesium 

chloride

205.605(b) LD Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

12 12 16. Suff due 02 14 17. TR 

found sufficient 01 17 17

May 16 “
Potassium acid 

tartrate

205.605(b) SE Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

01 11 17. TR suff due 03 15 17.

TR found sufficient 01 17 17

May 16 “

Sodium 

phosphates

205.605(b) TC/LD 2016 Phosphates - TR Request rec'd 

07 28 15; TR sent to HS on 02

10 2016; TR found sufficient on 

03 15 2016

Aug 15, “

Casings 205.606 AB N Aug 1 “

Konjac flour 205.606 SR N Aug 15 “

Pectin (nonamidated forms 

only)

205.606 TC N June 6 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB 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. Vote: 02 21 17. New TR in development. Expected July 

2017, TR received 07 10 17. Response due 09 08 17. TR found 

sufficient 08 01 17.

Discussion doc 

Spr 2018

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TC Review scheduled 9/6/16. Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm 

at fall 2016 meeting. Scheduled for discussion. Vote: 01 17 17. 

Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting

Verbal update 

Fall 2017

Tocopherols. 

Additional Listing @ 

205.605(a)

TC Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm at Fall 2016 meeting.

Deferred to Fall 2017 meeting.

Verbal update 

Fall 2017

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

TC Pending NOP Approval. Approved 01 12 16. Proposal. On hold. TBD

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts). Proposal

SR 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. Voted 01 17 

17. Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting

Spr 2018

Magnesium chloride

Reclassification 

205.605(b)

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

delayed until after classification guidance is published and TR is 

available. 

Spr 2018

Ancillary substances 

used in cellulose

LD Voted: 01 03 17. Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting Update Fall

2017, then 

remove
Potassium acid 

tartrate

reclassification 

205.605(b)

SE NOP approved work agenda item 06 16 17. 

2017 TR 

Spr 2018

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 July 18, 2017 notes

• Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) (SR). TR sufficiency

• BPA (LD/AB) - Discuss TR/determine sufficiency

• 2019 Sunset: Casings (AB) - Discuss proposal/vote

• 2019 Sunset: Sodium phosphates (TC/LD) - Discuss proposal/vote - tentative

• Other items - cellulose/ancillary substances status

• Adjourn

Discussion

• HS Notes from July 18, 2017 were approved with modification to the table for the 2020 sunsets to 

indicate the results of TR requests. 

• Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) (SR). The lead reviewed the addendum to the petition, 

noting that for the most part it addressed the Subcommittee’s questions. The petition addendum 

was found sufficient. The group discussed manufacturing, essentiality, and the listing of this 

material on the EPAs Safer Choice Ingredients List (SCIL). As verified by the CAS number on the SCIL 

list, the material is listed as sodium lauryl benzene sulfonate. 

• Bisphenol A (BPA) (LD/AB). The lead indicated that the new TR was much more comprehensive and 

thorough, and was better written for the lay audience. The TR was found sufficient. The HS will 

update the previous discussion document to include the new information and citations from the 

new TR, and will likely have a document ready for the Spring 2018 meeting. 

• 2019 Sunset: Casings (AB). The lead summarized the previous discussions, and comments from the 

Spring 2017 posting. The group discussed alternatives and incentives for organic casings.

Commenters indicated that currently, supply of organic casings is a barrier to manufacturers. The 

lead will make some minor edits, add information regarding international information, and then 

recirculate the draft. Since the edits were minor, the HS proceeded to a vote:

Motion to remove casings from §205.606 

Motion by: LD

Seconded by: TC

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 0 No: 8 Abstain: 0 Absent: 0 Recuse: 0 

• 2019 Sunset: Sodium phosphates (TC/LD). The draft review is in progress, and the HS will discuss it 

and vote on the next call. 

• Other items

o Cellulose/ancillary substances status. Based on a conversation with the NOP during the July 

11 PDS call, the HS has chosen to not move forward at this time with the review of ancillary 
substances in cellulose. Until the NOP clarifies the process, the Subcommittees will 

continue to identify ancillaries as they are conducting sunset reviews and reviewing new 

petitions, for future reference. The work agenda item will be removed from the table 

above. A verbal update will be provided at the fall meeting. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

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

July 18, 2017

 Japones Pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal

Ethiopian pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal

2020 sunset materials - TR requests

Research Priorities - Finalize Fall 2017 submissions

August 1, 2017

Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) (SR). TR sufficiency

BPA (LD/AB) - Discuss TR/determine sufficiency

Casings (AB) - Discuss proposal/vote

Sodium phosphates (TC/LD) - Discuss proposal/vote

August 15, 2017 -

Konjac Flour (SR) - Discuss proposal/vote

Sodium phosphates (TC/LD) - Discuss proposal/vote

Japones Pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote (pending response from petitioner)

Ethiopian pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote (pending response from petitioner)

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

Fall 2017 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 30, 2017

NOSB Request for TRs for 2020 sunset materials July 19, 2017

NOP - Draft Fall 2017 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 11, 2017

NOSB public web conference Aug 14, 2017 

NOSB - Fall 2017 proposals due to NOP Aug 29, 2017

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 12, 2017

Public comment closes Oct 11, 2017

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 13, 2017
2020 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2017, Summary: Spr 2018, Review: Fall 2018

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Calcium carbonate 205.605(a) SR Y 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. 

Summary: 

Spr 2018 

Review: 

Fall 2018

Flavors 205.605(a) TC N 2005 TR “

Gellan Gum 205.605(a) JM N 2006 TAP “

Oxygen 205.605(a) LD Y Low 

priority

1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. 

“

Potassium 

chloride

205.605(a) AS N 1995 TAP; 2015 TR for Nutrient 

vitamins and minerals

“

Alginates 205.605(b) SE N 1995 TAP; 2015 TR “

Calcium hydroxide 205.605(b) AS Y low 

priority

1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17

“

Ethylene 205.605(b) AB Y low 

priority

1995 TAP; 1999 TAP -

Processing. TR requested 07 28 

17. 

“

Glycerides: mono 

and di

205.605(b) LD N 1995 TAP; 2015 TR “

Magnesium 

stearate

205.605(b) AB Y 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. 

“

Phosphoric acid 205.605(b) AS Y if other

Subcom

ms

request

2003 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. 

“

Potassium 

carbonate

205.605(b) SR Y Low 

priority

1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. 

“

Sulfur dioxide 205.605(b) SE N 1995 TAP; 2011 TR “

Xanthan gum 205.605(b) JM N 1995 TAP; 2016 TR “

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 16, 2017

Two Public comment webinars Oct 24, and if needed 26, 2017

Fall 2017 NOSB meeting - Jacksonville, FL Oct 31- Nov 2, 2017
Fructooligosacchar

ides (FOS)

205.606 TCN 2006 TAP; 2015 TR

“

Gums: Arabic, 

Carob bean, Guar, 

Locust bean

205.606(k) JMY 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. TR in contracting.

“

Lecithin - de-oiled 205.606 ABN 1995 TAP; 2009 TR 

“

Tragacanth gum 205.606 JMY None. TR requested 07 28 17. 

TR in contracting.

“
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 15, 2017 1:00 pm ET

Present: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Steve Ela (SE); Joelle Mosso (JM); Tom Chapman (TC); A-dae Briones 

(ARB); Ashley Swaffar (AS); Asa Bradman (AB); Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); Harriet Behar (HB) - observer

Absent: none

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Devon Pattillo (DP)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

Petition Addendum 

#1, SDBS (PDF)

205.605(b) SR 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. TR delayed until 

Spring 2017. TR sent to HS 05 30 17. 

Response due 08 01 17. Petition 

addendum sent to HS 07 12 17. The 

HS found the petition addendum

suff 08 01 17

Aug 1, 

Aug 15

Spr 2018

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 SR Y 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. 

HS requested a TR 06 06 17.

May 16, 

Jun 6,

Spr 2018

Silver Dihydrogen 

Citrate

Petition Addendum 

205.605(b) JM Y Petition sent to HS 01 24 17. 

Response/request for TR due 03 28 

17. Petition found sufficient 03 07 

17. HS requested TR 03 07 14. TR in 

development. Petition addendum 

sent to HS 08 03 17

Mar 7 Spr 2018
Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Japones pepper 205.606 ARB N Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17. Petition found suff 04 04 17. No 

TR. HS requested additional info 

from petitioner 07 19 17

Apr 4, 

Jul 18

Spr 2018

Ethiopian pepper 205.606 ARB N Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17. Petition found suff 04 04 17. No 

TR. HS requested additional info 

from petitioner 07 19 17

Apr 4

Jul 18

Spr 2018

Tamarind Seed Gum 

Petition Addendum

205.606 SE Petition sent to HS 02 15 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 17 

17. HS requested additional info 

from the petitioner 04 04 17.

Petition addendum Rcvd 08 10 17. 

Response due 10 10 17.

Apr 4 Spr 2018

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

Summary: Spr 2017 Review: Fall 2017

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Attapulgite 205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 Fall 2017

Bentonite 205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 “

Diatomaceous 

earth

205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 “

Nitrogen 205.605(a) LD N May 16 “

Sodium carbonate 205.605(a) LD N Jun 6 “

Acidified sodium 

chlorite

205.605(b) AS N May 16 “

Chlorine Materials 

(Calcium 

hypochlorite, 

Chlorine dioxide, 

Sodium 

205.605(b) AS N May 16 “
hypochlorite) 

Carbon dioxide 205.605(b) LD N May 16 “

Magnesium 

chloride

205.605(b) LD Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

12 12 16. Suff due 02 14 17. TR 

found sufficient 01 17 17

May 16 “

Potassium acid 

tartrate

205.605(b) SE Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

01 11 17. TR suff due 03 15 17.

TR found sufficient 01 17 17

May 16 “

Sodium 

phosphates

205.605(b) TC/LD 2016 Phosphates - TR Request rec'd 

07 28 15; TR sent to HS on 02

10 2016; TR found sufficient on 

03 15 2016

Aug 15 “

Casings 205.606 AB N Aug 1 “

Konjac flour 205.606 SR N Aug 15 “

Pectin (nonamidated forms 

only)

205.606 TC N June 6 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB 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. Vote: 02 21 17. New TR in development. Expected July 

2017, TR received 07 10 17. Response due 09 08 17. TR found 

sufficient 08 01 17.

Discussion doc 

Spr 2018

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TC Review scheduled 9/6/16. Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm 

at fall 2016 meeting. Scheduled for discussion. Vote: 01 17 17. 

Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting

Verbal update 

Fall 2017

Tocopherols. 

Additional Listing @ 

205.605(a)

TC Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm at Fall 2016 meeting.

Deferred to Fall 2017 meeting.

Verbal update 

Fall 2017

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

TC Pending NOP Approval. Approved 01 12 16. Proposal. On hold. TBD

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts). Proposal

SR 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. Voted 01 17 

17. Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting

Spr 2018
Magnesium chloride

Reclassification 

205.605(b)

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

delayed until after classification guidance is published and TR is 

available. 

Spr 2018

Ancillary substances 

used in cellulose

LD Voted: 01 03 17. Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting Update Fall

2017, then 

remove

Potassium acid 

tartrate

reclassification 

205.605(b)

SE NOP approved work agenda item 06 16 17. 

2017 TR. Vote: 08 15 17

Fall 2017

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 August 1, 2017 notes

• Konjac Flour (SR) - Discuss proposal/vote

• Sodium phosphates (TC/LD) - Discuss proposal/vote

• Potassium Acid Tartrate reclassification (SE) - Discuss proposal/vote 

• BPA Discussion document (AB) 

• SDBS (SR) – if any follow up needed on safer choice listing

• Marine materials update from Crops (SR) 

• Other Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• HS Notes from August 1, 2017 were approved with several corrections and updates

• Konjac Flour (SR). The HS received very few comments during the last posting, and those that were 

received did not answer the questions that the HS proposed about use and essentiality. Other 

commenters provided little or no data supporting their position.

Motion to remove konjac flour from §205.606 based on non-essentiality

Motion by: SR

Seconded by: AS

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 8 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 0 Recuse: 0 

• Sodium phosphates (TC/LD). The co-leads circulated a document and the group discussed the use 

and alternatives of sodium phosphates. A member noted that a manufacturer provided some 

feedback about the efficacy of alternatives, and will encourage them to submit written comments. 

Motion to remove sodium phosphates from §205.605(b) 

Motion by: LD

Seconded by: TC
Additional discussion: none

Yes: 0 No: 8 Abstain: 0 Absent: 0 Recuse: 0 

• Potassium acid tartrate reclassification (SE). The lead summarized the material, noting that the HS 

is also reviewing potassium acid tartrate for sunset. During its sunset review the HS determined 

that the material is misclassified and is proposing to change the classification. Members discussed 

the decision trees for materials classification (NOP 5033), and whether it would be more 

appropriate to list this in section 205.605(a) or 205.606.

Motion to reclassify potassium acid tartrate and change its listing from §205.605(b) to §205.606 

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: AS

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 8 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 0 Recuse: 0 

• BPA discussion document (AB). The discussion was deferred to a later call. The HS will bring forth a 

document to the Spring 2018 meeting.

• SDBS (SR). The group verified a pending question that was posed on the last call: that the listing on 

the Safer Choice Ingredients List (SCIL) is indeed for the same substance. The proposal for SDBS will 

be deferred to the Spring 2018 meeting. 

• Marine materials update from Crops (SR). Both the Handling and Crops Subcommittees are 

reviewing marine materials and will submit documents for the Spring 2018 meeting. 

• Other Items

o A member asked for some clarification or guidance on navigating the International 

standards, which the Board members typically include in the review of substances.

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

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

August 1, 2017

Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) (SR). TR sufficiency

BPA (LD/AB) - Discuss TR/determine sufficiency

Casings (AB) - Discuss proposal/vote

Sodium phosphates (TC/LD) - Discuss proposal/vote

August 15, 2017 -

Konjac Flour (SR) - Discuss proposal/vote

Sodium phosphates (TC/LD) - Discuss proposal/vote

September 5, 2017

Japones Pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote (pending response from petitioner)

Ethiopian pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote (pending response from petitioner)

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

2020 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2017, Summary: Spr 2018, Review: Fall 2018

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Calcium carbonate 205.605(a) SR N 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority

Summary: 

Spr 2018 

Review: 

Fall 2018

Flavors 205.605(a) TC N 2005 TR “

Gellan Gum 205.605(a) JM N 2006 TAP “

Oxygen 205.605(a) LD N 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority

“

Potassium 

chloride

205.605(a) AS N 1995 TAP; 2015 TR for Nutrient 

vitamins and minerals

“

Alginates 205.605(b) SE N 1995 TAP; 2015 TR “

Calcium hydroxide 205.605(b) AS N 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority

“

Ethylene 205.605(b) AB N 1995 TAP; 1999 TAP -

Processing. TR requested 07 28 

“

Fall 2017 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 30, 2017

NOSB Request for TRs for 2020 sunset materials July 19, 2017

NOP - Draft Fall 2017 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 11, 2017

NOSB public web conference Aug 14, 2017 

NOSB - Fall 2017 proposals due to NOP Aug 29, 2017

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 12, 2017

Public comment closes Oct 11, 2017

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 13, 2017

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 16, 2017

Two Public comment webinars Oct 24, and if needed 26, 2017

Fall 2017 NOSB meeting - Jacksonville, FL Oct 31- Nov 2, 2017
17. Contingent on request from 

other Subcomms 

Glycerides: mono 

and di

205.605(b) LDN 1995 TAP; 2015 TR

“

Magnesium 

stearate

205.605(b) ABN 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority

“

Phosphoric acid 205.605(b) ASN 2003 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Contingent on request from 

other Subcomms

“

Potassium 

carbonate

205.605(b) SRN 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority. 

“

Sulfur dioxide 205.605(b) SEN 1995 TAP; 2011 TR

“

Xanthan gum 205.605(b) JMN 1995 TAP; 2016 TR

“

Fructooligosacchar

ides (FOS)

205.606 TCN 2006 TAP; 2015 TR

“

Gums: Arabic, 

Carob bean, Guar, 

Locust bean

205.606(k) JMY 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. TR in contracting.

“

Lecithin - de-oiled 205.606 ABN 1995 TAP; 2009 TR 

“

Tragacanth gum 205.606 JMY None. TR requested 07 28 17. 

TR in contracting.

“
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 5, 2017 1:00 pm ET

Present: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Steve Ela (SE); Joelle Mosso (JM); Asa Bradman (AB); Scott Rice, Vice Chair 

(SR); A-dae Briones (ARB)

Absent: Tom Chapman (TC); Ashley Swaffar (AS)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Devon Pattillo (DP)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

Petition Addendum 

#1, SDBS (PDF)

205.605(b) SR 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. TR delayed until 

Spring 2017. TR sent to HS 05 30 17. 

Response due 08 01 17. Petition 

addendum sent to HS 07 12 17. The 

HS found the petition addendum

suff 08 01 17

Aug 1, 

Aug 15

Spr 2018

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 SR Y 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. 

HS requested a TR 06 06 17.

May 16, 

Jun 6,

Spr 2018

Silver Dihydrogen 

Citrate

Petition Addendum 

#1

205.605(b) JM Y Petition sent to HS 01 24 17. 

Response/request for TR due 03 28 

17. Petition found sufficient 03 07 

17. HS requested TR 03 07 14. TR in 

development. Petition addendum 

sent to HS 08 03 17

Mar 7 Spr 2018
Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Japones pepper 205.606 ARB N Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17. Petition found suff 04 04 17. No

TR. HS requested additional info 

from petitioner 07 19 17

Apr 4, 

Jul 18

Oct 3

Spr 2018

Ethiopian pepper 205.606 ARB N Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17. Petition found suff 04 04 17. No 

TR. HS requested additional info 

from petitioner 07 19 17

Apr 4

Jul 18

Oct 3

Spr 2018

Tamarind Seed Gum 

Petition Addendum, 

August 22, 2017

205.606 SE Petition sent to HS 02 15 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 17 

17. HS requested additional info 

from the petitioner 04 04 17.

Petition addendum Rcvd 08 10 17. 

Response due 10 10 17. Updated 

petition addendum rcvd 08 22 17.

Apr 4

Sep 5

Spr 2018

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

Summary: Spr 2017 Review: Fall 2017

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Attapulgite 205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 Fall 2017

Bentonite 205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 “

Diatomaceous 

earth

205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 “

Nitrogen 205.605(a) LD N May 16 “

Sodium carbonate 205.605(a) LD N Jun 6 “

Acidified sodium 

chlorite

205.605(b) AS N May 16 “

Chlorine Materials 

(Calcium 

hypochlorite, 

205.605(b) AS N May 16 “
Chlorine dioxide, 

Sodium 

hypochlorite) 

Carbon dioxide 205.605(b) LD N May 16 “

Magnesium 

chloride

205.605(b) LD Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

12 12 16. Suff due 02 14 17. TR 

found sufficient 01 17 17

May 16 “

Potassium acid 

tartrate

205.605(b) SE Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

01 11 17. TR suff due 03 15 17.

TR found sufficient 01 17 17

May 16 “

Sodium 

phosphates

205.605(b) TC/LD 2016 Phosphates - TR Request rec'd 

07 28 15; TR sent to HS on 02

10 2016; TR found sufficient on 

03 15 2016

Aug 15 “

Casings 205.606 AB N Aug 1 “

Konjac flour 205.606 SR N Aug 15 “

Pectin (nonamidated forms 

only)

205.606 TC N June 6 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB 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. Vote: 02 21 17. New TR in development. Expected July 

2017, TR received 07 10 17. Response due 09 08 17. TR found 

sufficient 08 01 17.

Discussion doc 

Spr 2018

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TC Review scheduled 9/6/16. Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm 

at fall 2016 meeting. Scheduled for discussion. Vote: 01 17 17. 

Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting

Verbal update 

Fall 2017

Tocopherols. 

Additional Listing @ 

205.605(a)

TC Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm at Fall 2016 meeting.

Deferred to Fall 2017 meeting.

Verbal update 

Fall 2017

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

TC Pending NOP Approval. Approved 01 12 16. Proposal. On hold. Spr 2018?
Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts). Proposal

SR 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. Voted 01 17 

17. Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting

TBD

Magnesium chloride

Reclassification 

205.605(b)

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

delayed until after classification guidance is published and TR is 

available. 

Spr 2018

Ancillary substances 

used in cellulose

LD Voted: 01 03 17. Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting Update Fall

2017, then 

remove

Potassium acid 

tartrate

reclassification 

205.605(b)

SE NOP approved work agenda item 06 16 17. 

2017 TR. Vote: 08 15 17

Fall 2017

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 August 15, 2017 notes

• Tamarind Seed petition and addendum sufficiency (SE) 

• Whey protein concentrate discuss suggestion to annotate listing (LD/TC) 

• Other Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• HS Notes from August 15, 2017 were approved with no changes

• Tamarind seed petition and addendum - sufficiency (SE). The group felt the petitioners addressed 

the HS questions in their petition addendum. Members discussed the substance and are 

considering whether to request a technical review, given that a TR for all the other gums on the 

National List is in development. The group will consider specific questions that they might want a 

TR to address. 

• Whey protein concentrate (LD/TC). The NOSB voted to remove whey protein concentrate during 

the 2017 sunset review, but the NOP renewed the listing based on comments received during 

rulemaking. A member suggested that the HS consider specific forms of whey protein concentrate 

and consider a recommendation for an annotation. The HS will schedule this discussion for a future 

call. 

• Other Items. The HS cancelled the September 19 call. The NOP noted that the petitioner of Japones 

Peppers and Ethiopian Peppers submitted their response to the HS request for additional 

information. The NOP will forward this information to the HS.

• ABS note (added 09/05/17): The HS developed a discussion document for Marine Materials for the 

fall meeting. This discussion document is the same one that was posted for the last meeting, and 

the HS is posting it to garner additional feedback. 

• The meeting was adjourned
Previous HS Notes

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

August 15, 2017 -

Konjac Flour (SR) - Discuss proposal/vote

Sodium phosphates (TC/LD) - Discuss proposal/vote

September 5, 2017

September 19, 2017 - cancelled

October 3, 2017

Tamarind seed (SE). Petition/addendum sufficiency

Whey protein concentrate (HB) - Discuss 

Japones Pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote (pending response from petitioner)

Ethiopian pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote (pending response from petitioner)

October 17, 2017

Discuss public comments

November 7, 2017

November 21, 2017

December 5, 2017

December 19, 2017

January 2, 2018

January 16, 2018

2020 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2017, Summary: Spr 2018, Review: Fall 2018

Fall 2017 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 30, 2017

NOSB Request for TRs for 2020 sunset materials July 19, 2017

NOP - Draft Fall 2017 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 11, 2017

NOSB public web conference Aug 14, 2017 

NOSB - Fall 2017 proposals due to NOP Aug 29, 2017

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 12, 2017

Public comment closes Oct 11, 2017

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 13, 2017

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 16, 2017

Two Public comment webinars Oct 24, and if needed 26, 2017

Fall 2017 NOSB meeting - Jacksonville, FL Oct 31- Nov 2, 2017
Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Calcium carbonate 205.605(a) SR Y 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority

Summary: 

Spr 2018 

Review: 

Fall 2018

Flavors 205.605(a) TC N 2005 TR “

Gellan Gum 205.605(a) JM N 2006 TAP “

Oxygen 205.605(a) LD N 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority

“

Potassium 

chloride

205.605(a) AS N 1995 TAP; 2015 TR for Nutrient 

vitamins and minerals

“

Alginates 205.605(b) SE N 1995 TAP; 2015 TR “

Calcium hydroxide 205.605(b) AS N 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority

“

Ethylene 205.605(b) AB N 1995 TAP; 1999 TAP -

Processing. TR requested 07 28 

17. Contingent on request from 

other Subcomms 

“

Glycerides: mono 

and di

205.605(b) LD N 1995 TAP; 2015 TR “

Magnesium 

stearate

205.605(b) AB Y 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority

“

Phosphoric acid 205.605(b) AS N 2003 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Contingent on request from 

other Subcomms

“

Potassium 

carbonate

205.605(b) SR N 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority. 

“

Sulfur dioxide 205.605(b) SE N 1995 TAP; 2011 TR “

Xanthan gum 205.605(b) JM N 1995 TAP; 2016 TR “

Fructooligosacchar

ides (FOS)

205.606 TC N 2006 TAP; 2015 TR “

Gums: Arabic, 

Carob bean, Guar, 

Locust bean

205.606(k) JM Y 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. TR in contracting.

“

Lecithin - de-oiled 205.606 AB N 1995 TAP; 2009 TR “

Tragacanth gum 205.606 JM Y None. TR requested 07 28 17. 

TR in contracting.

“
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 3, 2017 1:00 pm ET

Present: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Steve Ela (SE); Joelle Mosso (JM); Asa Bradman (AB); Scott Rice, Vice Chair 

(SR); A-dae Briones (ARB)

Absent: Ashley Swaffar (AS); Tom Chapman (TC)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Devon Pattillo (DP)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

Petition Addendum 

#1, SDBS (PDF)

205.605(b) SR 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. TR delayed until 

Spring 2017. TR sent to HS 05 30 17. 

Response due 08 01 17. Petition 

addendum sent to HS 07 12 17. The 

HS found the petition addendum

suff 08 01 17

Aug 1, 

Aug 15

Spr 2018

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 SR Y 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. 

HS requested a TR 06 06 17.

May 16, 

Jun 6,

Spr 2018

Silver Dihydrogen 

Citrate

Petition Addendum 

#1

205.605(b) JM Y Petition sent to HS 01 24 17. 

Response/request for TR due 03 28 

17. Petition found sufficient 03 07 

17. HS requested TR 03 07 14. TR in 

development. Petition addendum 

sent to HS 08 03 17

Mar 7 Spr 2018
Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Japones pepper 205.606 ARB N Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17. Petition found suff 04 04 17. No

TR. HS requested additional info 

from petitioner 07 19 17

Apr 4, 

Jul 18

Oct 3

Spr 2018

Ethiopian pepper 205.606 ARB N Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17. Petition found suff 04 04 17. No 

TR. HS requested additional info 

from petitioner 07 19 17

Apr 4

Jul 18

Oct 3

Spr 2018

Tamarind Seed Gum 

Petition Addendum, 

August 22, 2017

205.606 SE Petition sent to HS 02 15 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 17 

17. HS requested additional info 

from the petitioner 04 04 17.

Petition addendum Rcvd 08 10 17. 

Response due 10 10 17. Updated 

petition addendum rcvd 08 22 17.

TR requested 10 03 17.

Apr 4

Sep 5,

Oct 3

Spr 2018

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

Summary: Spr 2017 Review: Fall 2017

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Attapulgite 205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 Fall 2017

Bentonite 205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 “

Diatomaceous 

earth

205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 “

Nitrogen 205.605(a) LD N May 16 “

Sodium carbonate 205.605(a) LD N Jun 6 “

Acidified sodium 

chlorite

205.605(b) AS N May 16 “

Chlorine Materials 

(Calcium 

hypochlorite, 

205.605(b) AS N May 16 “
Chlorine dioxide, 

Sodium 

hypochlorite) 

Carbon dioxide 205.605(b) LD N May 16 “

Magnesium 

chloride

205.605(b) LD Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

12 12 16. Suff due 02 14 17. TR 

found sufficient 01 17 17

May 16 “

Potassium acid 

tartrate

205.605(b) SE Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

01 11 17. TR suff due 03 15 17.

TR found sufficient 01 17 17

May 16 “

Sodium 

phosphates

205.605(b) TC/LD 2016 Phosphates - TR Request rec'd 

07 28 15; TR sent to HS on 02

10 2016; TR found sufficient on 

03 15 2016

Aug 15 “

Casings 205.606 AB N Aug 1 “

Konjac flour 205.606 SR N Aug 15 “

Pectin (nonamidated forms 

only)

205.606 TC N June 6 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB 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. Vote: 02 21 17. New TR in development. Expected July 

2017, TR received 07 10 17. Response due 09 08 17. TR found 

sufficient 08 01 17.

Discussion doc 

Spr 2018

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TC Review scheduled 9/6/16. Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm 

at fall 2016 meeting. Scheduled for discussion. Vote: 01 17 17. 

Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting

Verbal update 

Fall 2017

Tocopherols. 

Additional Listing @ 

205.605(a)

TC Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm at Fall 2016 meeting.

Deferred to Fall 2017 meeting.

Verbal update 

Fall 2017

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

TC Pending NOP Approval. Approved 01 12 16. Proposal. On hold. Spr 2018?
Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts). Proposal

SR 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. Voted 01 17 

17. Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting

TBD

Magnesium chloride

Reclassification 

205.605(b)

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

delayed until after classification guidance is published and TR is 

available. 

Spr 2018

Ancillary substances 

used in cellulose

LD Voted: 01 03 17. Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting Update Fall

2017, then 

remove

Potassium acid 

tartrate

reclassification 

205.605(b)

SE NOP approved work agenda item 06 16 17. 

2017 TR. Vote: 08 15 17

Fall 2017

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 September 5, 2017 notes

• Tamarind Seed Limited scope TR questions (SE) 

• Whey protein concentrate discuss suggestion to annotate listing (LD/TC) 

• Japones Pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote 

• Ethiopian pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote 

• Other Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• HS Notes from September 5, 2017 were approved with one minor change to the action item for 

tamarind seed.

• Tamarind Seed (SE). The lead stated the questions proposed for the limited scope TR and asked for 

feedback. There is a TR in development for the other gums on the National List, but it does not 

include tamarind seed gum. After discussion, the group decided to request a full TR as opposed to a 

limited scope TR, with some additional specific questions.

• Whey protein concentrate (LD/TC). Deferred to next call.

• Japones Pepper (ARB). The lead summarized the petition and the previous discussion by the HS. 

The HS sent the petitioner additional questions about alternatives and supply, and the response has 

been incorporated into the draft proposal. The petitioner indicated that supply is not adequate and 

the alternatives are not sufficient for their recipes. The HS will seek additional information from the 

petitioner, as their initial response was brief. 

• Ethiopian pepper (ARB). The group discussed supply issues and characteristics of the Ethiopian 

pepper. Members acknowledged that this pepper grows in a specific climate and that this may

present additional sourcing challenges. Members were not clear if growers/collectors of this 

pepper (the petition indicates the pepper may be wild harvested) had sought organic certification. 
The HS will seek additional information from the petitioner and will proceed with its review upon 

receipt of that information. 

• Other Items. None

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

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

September 5, 2017

September 19, 2017 - cancelled

October 3, 2017

Tamarind seed (SE). Petition/addendum sufficiency

Whey protein concentrate (HB) - Discuss 

Japones Pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote (pending response from petitioner)

Ethiopian pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote (pending response from petitioner)

October 17, 2017

Discuss public comments

Whey protein concentrate (HB) - Discuss 

November 7, 2017

November 21, 2017

December 5, 2017

December 19, 2017

January 2, 2018

January 16, 2018

February 6, 2018

February 20, 2018

March 6, 2018

March 20, 2018

April 3, 2018

April 17, 2018

Fall 2017 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 30, 2017

NOSB Request for TRs for 2020 sunset materials July 19, 2017

NOP - Draft Fall 2017 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 11, 2017

NOSB public web conference Aug 14, 2017 

NOSB - Fall 2017 proposals due to NOP Aug 29, 2017

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 12, 2017

Public comment closes Oct 11, 2017

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 13, 2017

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 16, 2017
2020 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2017, Summary: Spr 2018, Review: Fall 2018

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Calcium carbonate 205.605(a) SR Y 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority

Summary: 

Spr 2018 

Review: 

Fall 2018

Flavors 205.605(a) TC N 2005 TR “

Gellan Gum 205.605(a) JM N 2006 TAP “

Oxygen 205.605(a) LD N 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority

“

Potassium 

chloride

205.605(a) AS N 1995 TAP; 2015 TR for Nutrient 

vitamins and minerals

“

Alginates 205.605(b) SE N 1995 TAP; 2015 TR “

Calcium hydroxide 205.605(b) AS N 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority

“

Ethylene 205.605(b) AB N 1995 TAP; 1999 TAP -

Processing. TR requested 07 28 

17. Contingent on request from 

other Subcomms 

“

Glycerides: mono 

and di

205.605(b) LD N 1995 TAP; 2015 TR “

Magnesium 

stearate

205.605(b) AB Y 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority

“

Phosphoric acid 205.605(b) AS N 2003 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Contingent on request from 

other Subcomms

“

Potassium 

carbonate

205.605(b) SR N 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority. 

“

Sulfur dioxide 205.605(b) SE N 1995 TAP; 2011 TR “

Xanthan gum 205.605(b) JM N 1995 TAP; 2016 TR “

Fructooligosacchar

ides (FOS)

205.606 TC N 2006 TAP; 2015 TR “

Two Public comment webinars Oct 24, and if needed 26, 2017

Fall 2017 NOSB meeting - Jacksonville, FL Oct 31- Nov 2, 2017
Gums: Arabic, 

Carob bean, Guar, 

Locust bean

205.606(k) JMY 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. TR in contracting.

“

Lecithin - de-oiled 205.606 ABN 1995 TAP; 2009 TR 

“

Tragacanth gum 205.606 JMY None. TR requested 07 28 17. 

TR in contracting.

“
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 17, 2017 1:00 pm ET

Present: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Steve Ela (SE); Joelle Mosso (JM); Asa Bradman (AB); Scott Rice, Vice Chair 

(SR); A-dae Briones (ARB); Ashley Swaffar (AS); Tom Chapman (TC)

Absent: none

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Devon Pattillo (DP)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

Petition Addendum 

#1, SDBS (PDF)

205.605(b) SR 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. TR delayed until 

Spring 2017. TR sent to HS 05 30 17. 

Response due 08 01 17. Petition 

addendum sent to HS 07 12 17. The 

HS found the petition addendum

suff 08 01 17

Aug 1, 

Aug 15

Spr 2018

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 SR Y 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. 

HS requested a TR 06 06 17.

May 16, 

Jun 6,

Spr 2018

Silver Dihydrogen 

Citrate

Petition Addendum 

#1

205.605(b) JM Y Petition sent to HS 01 24 17. 

Response/request for TR due 03 28 

17. Petition found sufficient 03 07 

17. HS requested TR 03 07 14. TR in 

development. Petition addendum 

sent to HS 08 03 17

Mar 7 Spr 2018
Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Japones pepper 205.606 ARB N Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17. Petition found suff 04 04 17. No

TR. HS requested additional info 

from petitioner 07 19 17

Apr 4, 

Jul 18

Oct 3, 

Oct 17

Spr 2018

Ethiopian pepper 205.606 ARB N Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17. Petition found suff 04 04 17. No 

TR. HS requested additional info 

from petitioner 07 19 17

Apr 4

Jul 18

Oct 3, 

Oct 17

Spr 2018

Tamarind Seed Gum 

Petition Addendum, 

August 22, 2017

205.606 SE Petition sent to HS 02 15 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 17 

17. HS requested additional info 

from the petitioner 04 04 17.

Petition addendum Rcvd 08 10 17. 

Response due 10 10 17. Updated 

petition addendum rcvd 08 22 17.

TR requested 10 03 17. TR in 

contracting. 

Apr 4

Sep 5,

Oct 3

Spr 

2018/Fall 

2018

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

Summary: Spr 2017 Review: Fall 2017

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Attapulgite 205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 Fall 2017

Bentonite 205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 “

Diatomaceous 

earth

205.605(a) JM N Jun 6 “

Nitrogen 205.605(a) LD N May 16 “

Sodium carbonate 205.605(a) LD N Jun 6 “

Acidified sodium 

chlorite

205.605(b) AS N May 16 “

Chlorine Materials 

(Calcium 

205.605(b) AS N May 16 “
hypochlorite, 

Chlorine dioxide, 

Sodium 

hypochlorite) 

Carbon dioxide 205.605(b) LD N May 16 “

Magnesium 

chloride

205.605(b) LD Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

12 12 16. Suff due 02 14 17. TR 

found sufficient 01 17 17

May 16 “

Potassium acid 

tartrate

205.605(b) SE Y TR in development; expected 

December 2016. TR sent to HS 

01 11 17. TR suff due 03 15 17.

TR found sufficient 01 17 17

May 16 “

Sodium 

phosphates

205.605(b) TC/LD 2016 Phosphates - TR Request rec'd 

07 28 15; TR sent to HS on 02

10 2016; TR found sufficient on 

03 15 2016

Aug 15 “

Casings 205.606 AB N Aug 1 “

Konjac flour 205.606 SR N Aug 15 “

Pectin (nonamidated forms 

only)

205.606 TC N June 6 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB 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. Vote: 02 21 17. New TR in development. Expected July 

2017, TR received 07 10 17. Response due 09 08 17. TR found 

sufficient 08 01 17.

Discussion doc 

Spr 2018

Tocopherols 

Reclassification

TC Review scheduled 9/6/16. Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm 

at fall 2016 meeting. Scheduled for discussion. Vote: 01 17 17. 

Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting

Verbal update 

Fall 2017

Tocopherols. 

Additional Listing @ 

205.605(a)

TC Voted 09 06 16. Sent back to Subcomm at Fall 2016 meeting.

Deferred to Fall 2017 meeting.

Verbal update 

Fall 2017

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

TC Pending NOP Approval. Approved 01 12 16. Proposal. On hold. Spr 2018?
Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts). Proposal

SR 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. Voted 01 17 

17. Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting

TBD

Magnesium chloride

Reclassification 

205.605(b)

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

delayed until after classification guidance is published and TR is 

available. 

Spr 2018

Ancillary substances 

used in cellulose

LD Voted: 01 03 17. Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting Update Fall

2017, then 

remove

Potassium acid 

tartrate

reclassification 

205.605(b)

SE NOP approved work agenda item 06 16 17. 

2017 TR. Vote: 08 15 17

Fall 2017

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 October 3, 2017 notes

• Whey protein concentrate (WPC) discuss suggestion to annotate listing (LD/TC) 

• Japones Pepper (ARB). Finalize questions for petitioner (ALL). 

• Ethiopian pepper (ARB). Finalize questions for petitioner (ALL). 

• Discuss public comment – (ALL) 

• Other Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• HS Notes from October 3, 2017 were approved with no changes

• Whey protein concentrate (WPC) discuss suggestion to annotate listing (LD/TC). The HS is seeking 

to understand the NOP justification for not accepting the NOSB recommendation to remove WPC 

from the National List. The Subcommittee would like to invite the NOP to join the November 7 call 

to explain the reasoning for the decision, which may have bearing on future reviews, and may 

inform the way the NOSB writes its proposals. 

• Japones Pepper (ARB). Finalize questions for petitioner (ALL). The lead circulated the questions for 

the petitioner about the two peppers and the group reviewed them and made some additions. The 

question regarding japones peppers is about quantity and barriers to growing and processing the 

peppers organically. The lead will recirculate the questions and the HS Chair will submit them to the 

NOP.

• Ethiopian pepper (ARB). Finalize questions for petitioner (ALL). The lead circulated the questions

for the petitioner about the two peppers and the group reviewed them and made some additions.

The question regarding Ethiopian peppers is about wild crafting. A member suggested providing 

background information for the petitioners regarding wild-crafting. The lead will recirculate the 

questions and the HS Chair will submit them to the NOP.
• Discuss public comment (ALL). The lead reviewed the process for presenting materials at the 

meeting, and the group briefly discussed public comments. 

• Other Items. 

o The Chair noted a prior comment regarding an annotation for sodium carbonate and posed 

a question to the NOP about who should address this (the NOP or NOSB) and in what 

format (guidance, rulemaking, etc.)

o The November 7 call will include scheduling of the discussions for the sunset reviews for 

the Spring 2018 meeting.

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

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

October 3, 2017

Tamarind seed (SE). Petition/addendum sufficiency

Whey protein concentrate (HB) - Discuss 

Japones Pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote (pending response from petitioner)

Ethiopian pepper (ARB) - Discuss proposal/vote (pending response from petitioner)

October 17, 2017

Discuss public comments

Whey protein concentrate (HB) - Discuss 

November 7, 2017

Whey protein concentrate (SNY)

Schedule dates for sunset reviews

November 21, 2017

December 5, 2017

December 19, 2017

January 2, 2018

January 16, 2018

February 6, 2018

February 20, 2018

March 6, 2018

March 20, 2018

April 3, 2018

April 17, 2018

May 1, 2018

May 15, 2018

June 5, 2018

June 19, 2018

July 3, 2018

July 17, 2018

August 7, 2018

August 21, 2018

September 4, 2018

September 18, 2018

October 2, 2018

October 16, 2018

November 6, 2018

November 20, 2018
December 4, 2018

December 18, 2018

Fall 2017 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 30, 2017

NOSB Request for TRs for 2020 sunset materials July 19, 2017

NOP - Draft Fall 2017 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 11, 2017

NOSB public web conference Aug 14, 2017 

NOSB - Fall 2017 proposals due to NOP Aug 29, 2017

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 12, 2017

Public comment closes Oct 11, 2017

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 13, 2017

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 16, 2017

Two Public comment webinars Oct 24, and if needed 26, 2017

Fall 2017 NOSB meeting - Jacksonville, FL Oct 31- Nov 2, 2017

Spring 2018 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

New NOSB member orientation TBD

NOSB - Spring 2018 proposals due to NOP Feb 21, 2018

NOP - Complete Spring 2018 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 6, 2018

NOP - Post proposals, Open public comment Mar 6, 2018

Discuss work agendas on ES call Mar 9, 2018

Public comment closes Apr 4, 2018

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 9, 2018

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Apr 13, 2018

Public comment webinar(s) Apr 17 & 19, 2018

Spring 2018 NOSB meeting – Tucson, AZ Apr 25-27, 2018
2020 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2017, Summary: Spr 2018, Review: Fall 2018

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Calcium carbonate 205.605(a) SR Y 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority

Summary: 

Spr 2018 

Review: 

Fall 2018

Flavors 205.605(a) TC N 2005 TR “

Gellan Gum 205.605(a) JM N 2006 TAP “

Oxygen 205.605(a) LD N 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority

“

Potassium 

chloride

205.605(a) AS N 1995 TAP; 2015 TR for Nutrient 

vitamins and minerals

“

Alginates 205.605(b) SE N 1995 TAP; 2015 TR “

Calcium hydroxide 205.605(b) AS N 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority

“

Ethylene 205.605(b) AB N 1995 TAP; 1999 TAP -

Processing. TR requested 07 28 

17. Contingent on request from 

other Subcomms 

“

Glycerides: mono 

and di

205.605(b) LD N 1995 TAP; 2015 TR “

Magnesium 

stearate

205.605(b) AB Y 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority

“

Phosphoric acid 205.605(b) AS N 2003 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Contingent on request from 

other Subcomms

“

Potassium 

carbonate

205.605(b) SR N 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority. 

“

Sulfur dioxide 205.605(b) SE N 1995 TAP; 2011 TR “

Xanthan gum 205.605(b) JM N 1995 TAP; 2016 TR “

Fructooligosacchar

ides (FOS)

205.606 TC N 2006 TAP; 2015 TR “

Gums: Arabic, 

Carob bean, Guar, 

Locust bean

205.606(k) JM Y 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. TR in contracting.

“

Lecithin - de-oiled 205.606 AB N 1995 TAP; 2009 TR “
Tragacanth gum 205.606 JM

Y None. TR requested 07 28 17. 

TR in contracting.

“
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 7, 2017 1:00 pm ET

Present: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Steve Ela (SE); A-dae Briones (ARB); Ashley Swaffar (AS)

Absent: Asa Bradman (AB); Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); Tom Chapman (TC); Joelle Mosso (JM)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Devon Pattillo (DP), Shannon Nally Yanessa

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

Petition Addendum 

#1, SDBS (PDF)

205.605(b) SR 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. TR delayed until 

Spring 2017. TR sent to HS 05 30 17. 

Response due 08 01 17. Petition 

addendum sent to HS 07 12 17. The 

HS found the petition addendum

suff 08 01 17

Aug 1, 

Aug 15

Jan 2 

Spr 2018

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 SR Y 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. 

HS requested a TR 06 06 17.

May 16, 

Jun 6,

Jan 2

Spr 2018

Silver Dihydrogen 

Citrate

Petition Addendum 

#1

205.605(b) JM Y Petition sent to HS 01 24 17. 

Response/request for TR due 03 28 

17. Petition found sufficient 03 07 

17. HS requested TR 03 07 14. TR in 

development. Petition addendum 

sent to HS 08 03 17. TR sent to HS 

10 19 17/ Suff due 12 19 17

Mar 7, 

Dec 5

Spr 2018
Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Japones pepper 205.606 ARB N Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17. Petition found suff 04 04 17. No

TR. HS requested additional info 

from petitioner 07 19 17 & 11 07 19

Apr 4, 

Jul 18

Oct 3

Nov 7

Spr 2018

Ethiopian pepper 205.606 ARB N Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17. Petition found suff 04 04 17. No 

TR. HS requested additional info 

from petitioner 07 19 17 & 11 07 19

Apr 4

Jul 18

Oct 3

Nov 7

Spr 2018

Tamarind Seed Gum 

Petition Addendum, 

August 22, 2017

205.606 SE Petition sent to HS 02 15 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 17 

17. HS requested additional info 

from the petitioner 04 04 17.

Petition addendum Rcvd 08 10 17. 

Response due 10 10 17. Updated 

petition addendum rcvd 08 22 17.

TR requested 10 03 17. TR in 

contracting. 

Apr 4

Sep 5,

Oct 3

Feb 20

Spr 

2018/Fall 

2018

2020 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2017, Summary: Spr 2018, Review: Fall 2018

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Calcium carbonate 205.605(a) SR Y 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority

Feb 20 Summary: 

Spr 2018 

Review: 

Fall 2018

Flavors 205.605(a) TC N 2005 TR Jan 16 “

Gellan Gum 205.605(a) JM N 2006 TAP Feb 20 “

Oxygen 205.605(a) LD N 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority

Dec 5 “

Potassium 

chloride

205.605(a) AS N 1995 TAP; 2015 TR for Nutrient 

vitamins and minerals

Dec 5 “

Alginates 205.605(b) SE N 1995 TAP; 2015 TR Dec 19 “

Calcium hydroxide 205.605(b) AS N 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority

Dec 5 “
Ethylene 205.605(b) AB N 1995 TAP; 1999 TAP -

Processing. TR requested 07 28 

17. Contingent on request from 

other Subcomms 

Dec 19 “

Glycerides: mono 

and di

205.605(b) LD N 1995 TAP; 2015 TR Dec 5 “

Magnesium 

stearate

205.605(b) AB Y 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority

Feb 20 “

Phosphoric acid 205.605(b) AS N 2003 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Contingent on request from 

other Subcomms

Dec 5 “

Potassium 

carbonate

205.605(b) SR N 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority. 

Feb 6 “

Sulfur dioxide 205.605(b) SE N 1995 TAP; 2011 TR Dec 19 “

Xanthan gum 205.605(b) JM N 1995 TAP; 2016 TR Feb 20 “

Fructooligosacchar

ides (FOS)

205.606 TC N 2006 TAP; 2015 TR Jan 16 “

Gums: Arabic, 

Carob bean, Guar, 

Locust bean

205.606(k) JM Y 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. TR in contracting.

Feb 20 “

Lecithin - de-oiled 205.606 AB N 1995 TAP; 2009 TR Jan 16 “

Tragacanth gum 205.606 JM Y None. TR requested 07 28 17. 

TR in contracting.

Feb 20 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB 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. Vote: 02 21 17. New TR in development. Expected July 

2017, TR received 07 10 17. Response due 09 08 17. TR found 

sufficient 08 01 17.

Discussion doc 

Spr 2018

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

TC Pending NOP Approval. Approved 01 12 16. Proposal. On hold. Spr 2018

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts). Proposal

SR 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. Voted 01 17 

17. Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting

TBD
Magnesium chloride

Reclassification 

205.605(b)

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

delayed until after classification guidance is published and TR is 

available. 

Spr 2018

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2018 Fall 2018

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

Agenda

• Approve October 17, 2017 notes

• Whey protein concentrate (WPC) discussion with NOP

• Japones Pepper (ARB). Finalize questions for petitioner (ALL). 

• Ethiopian pepper (ARB). Finalize questions for petitioner (ALL). 

• Debrief from Jacksonville, any additional potential work plan items to explore

• Schedule petitions/proposals/sunset materials 1st posting (due by 2/21) (ALL)

• Schedule date to review TR sufficiency for Silver Dihydrogen Citrate, due 12/19 

• Other Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• HS Notes from October 17, 2017 were approved with no changes.

• Whey protein concentrate (WPC). The HS requested more information from the program regarding 

the three 2017 sunset materials that the NOSB recommended for removal from the National List 

but the NOP did not remove. The group discussed best practices for future reviews to take into 

consideration the factors that the NOP must consider when conducting rulemaking. Members 

asked about various forms of whey protein concentrate and the potential for an annotation on the 

listing on the National List. The NOP emphasized that it’s important for the NOSB to discuss public 

comments during the public meetings so that the NOSB’s rationale to remove a substance is clearly

captured in the public record for later reference. 

• Japones Peppers, Ethiopian peppers (ARB). The lead circulated some updated questions for the 

petitioner about both peppers, and the group discussed them. The HS Chair will submit them and 

may have further conversations with NOP about whether or not the questions are aligned with 

OFPA criteria. 

• Debrief from Jacksonville. Deferred to next call. 

• Schedule petitions/proposals/sunset materials. See table above

• Silver Dihydrogen Citrate TR sufficiency. Deferred to next call

• Other Items. None

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

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

October 17, 2017

Discuss public comments

Whey protein concentrate (HB) - Discuss 

November 7, 2017

Whey protein concentrate (SNY)

Schedule dates for sunset reviews

November 21, 2017 - cancelled
December 5, 2017

Debrief from Jacksonville meeting (ALL) 

Silver Dihydrogen Citrate (JM) - TR sufficiency

2020 sunset: Oxygen (LD) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Potassium chloride (AS) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Calcium hydroxide (AS) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Glycerides: mono and di (LD) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Phosphoric acid (AS) - Discuss review

December 19, 2017

Magnesium chloride reclassification (LD) - Discuss

2020 sunset: Alginates (SE) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Ethylene (AB) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Sulfur dioxide (SE) - Discuss review

January 2, 2018

SDBS (SR) - Discuss proposal

Sodium Chlorite for the generation of chlorine dioxide gas (SR) - discuss proposal

January 16, 2018

2020 sunset: Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) (TC) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Lecithin - de-oiled (AB) - Discuss review

February 6, 2018

BPA (AB) - Discuss

Marine Materials (SR) - Discuss proposal

2020 sunset: Flavors (TC) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Potassium carbonate (SR) - Discuss review

February 20, 2018

Tamarind seed gum (SE) - TR sufficiency (if available)

2020 sunset: Calcium carbonate (SR) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Gellan Gum (JM) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Gums: Arabic, Carob bean, Guar, Locust bean (JM) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Tragacanth gum (JM) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Xanthan gum (JM) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Magnesium stearate (AB) - Discuss review

March 6, 2018

March 20, 2018

April 3, 2018

April 17, 2018

May 1, 2018

May 15, 2018

June 5, 2018

June 19, 2018

July 3, 2018

July 17, 2018

August 7, 2018

August 21, 2018

September 4, 2018

September 18, 2018

October 2, 2018

October 16, 2018

November 6, 2018
November 20, 2018

December 4, 2018

December 18, 2018

Spring 2018 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

New NOSB member orientation TBD

NOSB - Spring 2018 proposals due to NOP Feb 21, 2018

NOP - Complete Spring 2018 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 6, 2018

NOP - Post proposals, Open public comment Mar 6, 2018

Discuss work agendas on ES call Mar 9, 2018

Public comment closes Apr 4, 2018

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 9, 2018

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Apr 13, 2018

Public comment webinar(s) Apr 17 & 19, 2018

Spring 2018 NOSB meeting – Tucson, AZ Apr 25-27, 2018
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 5, 2017 1:00 pm ET

Present: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Steve Ela (SE); Ashley Swaffar (AS); Asa Bradman (AB); Joelle Mosso (JM); 

Tom Chapman (TC); Harriet Behar (HB) - observer

Absent: Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); A-dae Briones (ARB)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Devon Pattillo (DP)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

Petition Addendum 

#1, SDBS (PDF)

205.605(b) SR 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. TR delayed until 

Spring 2017. TR sent to HS 05 30 17. 

Response due 08 01 17. Petition 

addendum sent to HS 07 12 17. The 

HS found the petition addendum

suff 08 01 17

Aug 1, 

Aug 15

Jan 2 

Spr 2018

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 SR Y 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. 

HS requested a TR 06 06 17.

May 16, 

Jun 6,

Jan 2

Spr 2018

Silver Dihydrogen 

Citrate

Petition Addendum 

#1

205.605(b) JM Y Petition sent to HS 01 24 17. 

Response/request for TR due 03 28 

17. Petition found sufficient 03 07 

17. HS requested TR 03 07 14. TR in 

development. Petition addendum 

sent to HS 08 03 17. TR sent to HS 

10 19 17/ Suff due 12 19 17. HS sent 

additional questions to TR 

contractor 12 05 17

Mar 7, 

Dec 5

Spr 2018
Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Japones pepper 205.606 ARB N Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17. Petition found suff 04 04 17. No

TR. HS requested additional info 

from petitioner 07 19 17 & 11 07 19

Apr 4, 

Jul 18

Oct 3

Nov 7

Spr 2018

Ethiopian pepper 205.606 ARB N Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17. Petition found suff 04 04 17. No 

TR. HS requested additional info 

from petitioner 07 19 17 & 11 07 19

Apr 4

Jul 18

Oct 3

Nov 7

Spr 2018

Tamarind Seed Gum 

Petition Addendum, 

August 22, 2017

205.606 SE Petition sent to HS 02 15 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 17 

17. HS requested additional info 

from the petitioner 04 04 17.

Petition addendum Rcvd 08 10 17. 

Response due 10 10 17. Updated 

petition addendum rcvd 08 22 17.

TR requested 10 03 17. TR in 

contracting. 

Apr 4

Sep 5,

Oct 3

Feb 20

Spr 

2018/Fall 

2018

2020 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2017, Summary: Spr 2018, Review: Fall 2018

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Calcium carbonate 205.605(a) SR Y 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority

Feb 20 Summary: 

Spr 2018 

Review: 

Fall 2018

Flavors 205.605(a) TC N 2005 TR Jan 16 “

Gellan Gum 205.605(a) JM N 2006 TAP Feb 20 “

Oxygen 205.605(a) LD N 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority

Dec 5 “

Potassium 

chloride

205.605(a) AS N 1995 TAP; 2015 TR for Nutrient 

vitamins and minerals

Dec 5 “

Alginates 205.605(b) SE N 1995 TAP; 2015 TR Dec 19 “

Calcium hydroxide 205.605(b) AS N 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority

Dec 5 “
Ethylene 205.605(b) AB N 1995 TAP; 1999 TAP -

Processing. TR requested 07 28 

17. Contingent on request from 

other Subcomms 

Dec 19 “

Glycerides: mono 

and di

205.605(b) LD N 1995 TAP; 2015 TR Dec 5 “

Magnesium 

stearate

205.605(b) AB Y 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority

Feb 20 “

Phosphoric acid 205.605(b) AS N 2003 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Contingent on request from 

other Subcomms

Dec 5 “

Potassium 

carbonate

205.605(b) SR N 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority. 

Feb 6 “

Sulfur dioxide 205.605(b) SE N 1995 TAP; 2011 TR Dec 19 “

Xanthan gum 205.605(b) JM N 1995 TAP; 2016 TR Feb 20 “

Fructooligosacchar

ides (FOS)

205.606 TC N 2006 TAP; 2015 TR Jan 16 “

Gums: Arabic, 

Carob bean, Guar, 

Locust bean

205.606(k) JM Y 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. TR in contracting.

Feb 20 “

Lecithin - de-oiled 205.606 AB N 1995 TAP; 2009 TR Jan 16 “

Tragacanth gum 205.606 JM Y None. TR requested 07 28 17. 

TR in contracting.

Feb 20 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB 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. Vote: 02 21 17. New TR in development. Expected July 

2017, TR received 07 10 17. Response due 09 08 17. TR found 

sufficient 08 01 17.

Discussion doc 

Spr 2018

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

TC Pending NOP Approval. Approved 01 12 16. Proposal. On hold. Spr 2018

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts). Proposal

SR 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. Voted 01 17 

17. Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting

TBD
Magnesium chloride

Reclassification 

205.605(b)

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

delayed until after classification guidance is published and TR is 

available. 

Spr 2018

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2018 Fall 2018

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

Agenda

• Approve November 7, 2017 notes

• Debrief from Jacksonville meeting - any potential work plan items to consider? (ALL)

• Silver Dihydrogen Citrate (JM) - TR sufficiency

• 2020 sunset: Oxygen (LD) - Discuss review/vote

• 2020 sunset: Potassium chloride (AS) - Discuss review/vote

• 2020 sunset: Calcium hydroxide (AS) - Discuss review/vote

• 2020 sunset: Glycerides: mono and di (LD) - Discuss review/vote

• 2020 sunset: Phosphoric acid (AS) - Discuss review/vote

• Other Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• HS Notes from November 7, 2017 were approved with no changes.

• Silver Dihydrogen Citrate (JM). Petitioned for addition to 205.605(b) as an antimicrobial. The lead 

summarized information from the petition and TR, noting that it is used without requiring a final 

rinse and used at a lower concentration than other antimicrobials. The HS has two additional 

questions for the contractor, including one on nanoparticles, and will determine sufficiency at a 

later date.

• 2020 sunset: Potassium chloride (AS). The lead summarized the use of the material and the 

questions that are included for public comment.

• 2020 sunset: Calcium hydroxide (AS). The lead noted that the previous TAP was lacking, and it 

would have been beneficial to have a new TR. A TR was not contracted for this material, as it was 

considered a lower priority at that time. The group discussed the addition of language to solicit 

feedback regarding any new information. 

• 2020 sunset: Phosphoric acid (AS). The lead summarized the use of phosphoric acid. The HS will 

post the review with no additional questions. 

• 2020 sunset: Glycerides: mono and di (LD). The lead described the use and manufacture of 

glycerides, which are used in drum drying of food (including potato flakes). She also noted that 

there was a 2015 TR. The group discussed what to include in the review for the first posting.

• 2020 sunset: Oxygen (LD). The lead summarized the use of oxygen, noting the previous review and 

comments. 

• Debrief from Jacksonville meeting. (ALL). Postponed from prior call. The HS discussed public 

comments they received at the Fall 2017 meeting. A member asked about the issue of food 

sanitizers, which is a topic the community has asked the NOSB and NOP to address. The Materials 

Subcommittee has requested to add it to the work agenda, and is awaiting a response from the 

NOP. 

• Review of substances on §205.606. The HS extended an invitation to the National List manager to 

join the next HS call, to talk about how better to gather information and ask questions about 

commercial availability of ingredients listed at §205.606 (nonorganic agricultural ingredients) or 

petitioned for listing at §205.606.
• Other Items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

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

November 7, 2017

Whey protein concentrate (SNY)

Schedule dates for sunset reviews

November 21, 2017 - cancelled

December 5, 2017

Debrief from Jacksonville meeting (ALL) 

Silver Dihydrogen Citrate (JM) - TR sufficiency

2020 sunset: Oxygen (LD) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Potassium chloride (AS) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Calcium hydroxide (AS) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Glycerides: mono and di (LD) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Phosphoric acid (AS) - Discuss review

December 19, 2017

Magnesium chloride reclassification (LD) - Discuss

2020 sunset: Alginates (SE) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Sulfur dioxide (SE) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Ethylene (AB) - Discuss review

January 2, 2018

SDBS (SR) - Discuss proposal

Sodium Chlorite for the generation of chlorine dioxide gas (SR) - discuss proposal

January 16, 2018

2020 sunset: Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) (TC) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Lecithin - de-oiled (AB) - Discuss review

February 6, 2018

BPA (AB) - Discuss

Marine Materials (SR) - Discuss proposal

2020 sunset: Flavors (TC) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Potassium carbonate (SR) - Discuss review

February 20, 2018

Tamarind seed gum (SE) - TR sufficiency (if available)

2020 sunset: Calcium carbonate (SR) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Gellan Gum (JM) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Gums: Arabic, Carob bean, Guar, Locust bean (JM) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Tragacanth gum (JM) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Xanthan gum (JM) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Magnesium stearate (AB) - Discuss review

March 6, 2018

March 20, 2018

April 3, 2018

April 17, 2018

May 1, 2018

May 15, 2018

June 5, 2018
June 19, 2018

July 3, 2018

July 17, 2018

August 7, 2018

August 21, 2018

September 4, 2018

September 18, 2018

October 2, 2018

October 16, 2018

November 6, 2018

November 20, 2018

December 4, 2018

December 18, 2018

Spring 2018 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

New NOSB member orientation TBD

NOSB - Spring 2018 proposals due to NOP Feb 21, 2018

NOP - Complete Spring 2018 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 6, 2018

NOP - Post proposals, Open public comment Mar 6, 2018

Discuss work agendas on ES call Mar 9, 2018

Public comment closes Apr 4, 2018

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 9, 2018

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Apr 13, 2018

Public comment webinar(s) Apr 17 & 19, 2018

Spring 2018 NOSB meeting – Tucson, AZ Apr 25-27, 2018
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 19, 2017 1:00 pm ET

Present: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Scott Rice, Vice Chair (SR); Steve Ela (SE); Asa Bradman (AB); Joelle Mosso 

(JM); Tom Chapman (TC); A-dae Briones (ARB); Harriet Behar (HB) – observer; Ashley Swaffer – observer

Absent: Michelle Arsenault (MA)

Staff: Devon Pattillo (DP), Lisa Brines (LB)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Sodium 

dodecylbenzene 

sulfonate (SDBS)

Petition Addendum 

#1, SDBS (PDF)

205.605(b) SR 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. TR delayed until 

Spring 2017. TR sent to HS 05 30 17. 

Response due 08 01 17. Petition 

addendum sent to HS 07 12 17. The 

HS found the petition addendum

suff 08 01 17

Aug 1, 

Aug 15

Jan 2 

Spr 2018

Sodium Chlorite for 

the generation of 

chlorine dioxide gas

Petition, Addendum 

205.605 SR Y 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. 

HS requested a TR 06 06 17.

May 16, 

Jun 6,

Jan 2

Spr 2018

Silver Dihydrogen 

Citrate

Petition Addendum 

#1

205.605(b) JM Y Petition sent to HS 01 24 17. 

Response/request for TR due 03 28 

17. Petition found sufficient 03 07 

17. HS requested TR 03 07 14. TR in 

development. Petition addendum 

sent to HS 08 03 17. TR sent to HS 

10 19 17/ Suff due 12 19 17. HS sent 

additional questions to TR 

contractor 12 05 17

Mar 7, 

Dec 5

Spr 2018
Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

TR rqst? Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Japones pepper 205.606 ARB N Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17. Petition found suff 04 04 17. No

TR. HS requested additional info 

from petitioner 07 19 17 & 11 07 19

Apr 4, 

Jul 18

Oct 3

Nov 7

Spr 2018

Ethiopian pepper 205.606 ARB N Petition sent to HS 02 09 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 11 

17. Petition found suff 04 04 17. No 

TR. HS requested additional info 

from petitioner 07 19 17 & 11 07 19

Apr 4

Jul 18

Oct 3

Nov 7

Spr 2018

Tamarind Seed Gum 

Petition Addendum, 

August 22, 2017

205.606 SE Petition sent to HS 02 15 17. 

Response/request for TR due 04 17 

17. HS requested additional info 

from the petitioner 04 04 17.

Petition addendum Rcvd 08 10 17. 

Response due 10 10 17. Updated 

petition addendum rcvd 08 22 17.

TR requested 10 03 17. TR in 

contracting. 

Apr 4

Sep 5,

Oct 3

Feb 20

Spr 

2018/Fall 

2018

2020 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2017, Summary: Spr 2018, Review: Fall 2018

Name National 

List §

Con 

tact

TAP/TR Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Review 

Meeting

Calcium carbonate 205.605(a) SR Y 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority

Feb 20 Summary: 

Spr 2018 

Review: 

Fall 2018

Flavors 205.605(a) TC N 2005 TR Jan 16 “

Gellan Gum 205.605(a) JM N 2006 TAP Feb 20 “

Oxygen 205.605(a) LD N 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority

Dec 5 “

Potassium 

chloride

205.605(a) AS N 1995 TAP; 2015 TR for Nutrient 

vitamins and minerals

Dec 5 “

Alginates 205.605(b) SE N 1995 TAP; 2015 TR Dec 19 “

Calcium hydroxide 205.605(b) AS N 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority

Dec 5 “
Ethylene 205.605(b) AB N 1995 TAP; 1999 TAP -

Processing. TR requested 07 28 

17. Contingent on request from 

other Subcomms 

Dec 19, 

Jan 2

“

Glycerides: mono 

and di

205.605(b) LD N 1995 TAP; 2015 TR Dec 5 “

Magnesium 

stearate

205.605(b) AB Y 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority

Feb 20 “

Phosphoric acid 205.605(b) AS N 2003 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Contingent on request from 

other Subcomms

Dec 5 “

Potassium 

carbonate

205.605(b) SR N 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. Low priority. 

Feb 6 “

Sulfur dioxide 205.605(b) SE N 1995 TAP; 2011 TR Dec 19 “

Xanthan gum 205.605(b) JM N 1995 TAP; 2016 TR Feb 20 “

Fructooligosacchar

ides (FOS)

205.606 TC N 2006 TAP; 2015 TR Jan 16 “

Gums: Arabic, 

Carob bean, Guar, 

Locust bean

205.606(k) JM Y 1995 TAP. TR requested 07 28 

17. TR in contracting.

Feb 20 “

Lecithin - de-oiled 205.606 AB N 1995 TAP; 2009 TR Jan 16 “

Tragacanth gum 205.606 JM Y None. TR requested 07 28 17. 

TR in contracting.

Feb 20 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB 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. Vote: 02 21 17. New TR in development. Expected July 

2017, TR received 07 10 17. Response due 09 08 17. TR found 

sufficient 08 01 17.

Discussion doc 

Spr 2018

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

TC Pending NOP Approval. Approved 01 12 16. Proposal. On hold. Spr 2018

Marine materials

(marine algae and 

extracts). Proposal

SR 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. Voted 01 17 

17. Referred back to HS at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting

TBD
Magnesium chloride

Reclassification 

205.605(b)

LD HS requested addition of this item and NOP approved 01 12 16; 

TR completed 11/30/16. 

Spr 2018

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2018 Fall 2018

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

Agenda

• Approve December 5, 2017 notes

• Magnesium chloride reclassification (LD) - Discuss

• 2020 sunset: Alginates (SE) - Discuss review

• 2020 sunset: Sulfur dioxide (SE) - Discuss review

• 2020 sunset: Ethylene (AB) - Discuss review

• Other items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• HS Notes from December 5, 2017 were approved with one edit to the notes on glycerides.

• Petitions for 205.606 Ingredients. The HS asked the Program for some clarification and information 

about evaluating petitions that request to add non-organic agricultural ingredients to the National 

List (§ 205.606), including how to evaluate commercial availability. The Program noted that NOP 

3011 includes criteria for these petitions but acknowledged it can be difficult for petitioners to 

demonstrate that the ingredient is not available as organic. The Program noted that the burden to 

justify the addition of the ingredient to the National List is on the petitioner and encouraged the HS 

to limit repeated requests to petitioners that repeat the same or similar questions. Members 

discussed best practices for reviewing petitions, such as asking questions of petitioners before 

determining that a petition is sufficient. 

• Magnesium chloride reclassification (LD). The lead described the reasons for the work to consider 

reclassifying this substance. The lead wrote the proposal to leave the annotation the same (after 

moving to new section of the National List). It was noted that the CS has separately considered a 

wider range of sources as nonsynthetic and the lead asked if the HS annotation should better align 

with CS’s determination. Members discussed the relative availability of nonsynthetic vs. synthetic 

sources of the substance and discussed various methods and sources used to produce nonsynthetic 

forms of the substance. Members concluded that if it were moved to 605(a), an annotation would 

not be necessary to further restrict its use to a subset of nonsynthetic forms. The lead will rework 

the proposal to recommend removal of the annotation and will discuss on the next call.

• 2020 sunset: Alginates (SE). The lead described the substance, its sources, and current uses. 

Members discussed whether new alternatives have become available since the 2015 TR. The lead

noted that many of the alternatives to alginates are gums, and members also noted carrageenan 

could be an alternative. A member noted that some gums are better than other gums for specific 

products, and the lead noted that alginates have characteristics that may be best suited for some 

products. 

• 2020 sunset: Sulfur dioxide (SE). The lead discussed the substance, current use in “made with 

organic” wines, health concerns, and international status. The Program noted they have received 

questions about its use in other types of fruit wine and cider (not permitted with current 

annotation). Members discussed that a petition was previously received to remove the annotation 

but did not pass.
• 2020 sunset: Ethylene (AB). The lead briefly discussed the historical reviews of this substance and 

questioned if a TR was needed. The Program noted that no TR is currently being developed for the 

current sunset cycle. Members will continue the discussion on the next call. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

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

December 5, 2017

Debrief from Jacksonville meeting (ALL) 

Silver Dihydrogen Citrate (JM) - TR sufficiency

2020 sunset: Oxygen (LD) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Potassium chloride (AS) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Calcium hydroxide (AS) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Glycerides: mono and di (LD) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Phosphoric acid (AS) - Discuss review

December 19, 2017

Petitions for 205.606 Ingredients

Magnesium chloride reclassification (LD) – Discuss

2020 sunset: Alginates (SE) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Sulfur dioxide (SE) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Ethylene (AB) - Discuss review

January 2, 2018

SDBS (SR) - Discuss proposal

2020 sunset: Ethylene (AB) - Discuss review

Sodium Chlorite for the generation of chlorine dioxide gas (SR) - discuss proposal

January 16, 2018

2020 sunset: Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) (TC) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Lecithin - de-oiled (AB) - Discuss review

February 6, 2018

BPA (AB) - Discuss

Marine Materials (SR) - Discuss proposal

2020 sunset: Flavors (TC) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Potassium carbonate (SR) - Discuss review

February 20, 2018

Tamarind seed gum (SE) - TR sufficiency (if available)

2020 sunset: Calcium carbonate (SR) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Gellan Gum (JM) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Gums: Arabic, Carob bean, Guar, Locust bean (JM) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Tragacanth gum (JM) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Xanthan gum (JM) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Magnesium stearate (AB) - Discuss review

March 6, 2018

March 20, 2018

April 3, 2018

April 17, 2018

May 1, 2018

May 15, 2018
June 5, 2018

June 19, 2018

July 3, 2018

July 17, 2018

August 7, 2018

August 21, 2018

September 4, 2018

September 18, 2018

October 2, 2018

October 16, 2018

November 6, 2018

November 20, 2018

December 4, 2018

December 18, 2018

Spring 2018 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

New NOSB member orientation TBD

NOSB - Spring 2018 proposals due to NOP Feb 21, 2018

NOP - Complete Spring 2018 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 6, 2018

NOP - Post proposals, Open public comment Mar 6, 2018

Discuss work agendas on ES call Mar 9, 2018

Public comment closes Apr 4, 2018

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 9, 2018

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Apr 13, 2018

Public comment webinar(s) Apr 17 & 19, 2018

Spring 2018 NOSB meeting – Tucson, AZ Apr 25-27, 2018