Formal Recommendation 

From: National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

To: the National Organic Program (NOP)

Date: October 29, 2015

Subject: Reclassification of Alginic Acid from §205.605(a) to §205.605(b)

NOSB Chair: Jean Richardson

The NOSB hereby recommends to the NOP the following: 

Rulemaking Action: X

Guidance Statement:

Other:

Statement of the Recommendation:

The NOSB recommends reclassifying alginic acid from §205.605(a) to §205.605(b) of the 

National List.

Rationale Supporting Recommendation:

Alginic acid exists naturally in both brown seaweeds and two bacterial genera. However, alginic 

acid is manufactured on an industrial scale through a chemical separation process that involves 

the maceration, alkali treatment and acid precipitation of alginic acid from brown seaweeds. In 

order to separate alginic acid from its salt form, it is subjected to numerous pH adjustments to 

promote ion exchange. These chemical processes result in pure alginic acid. Since alginic acid is 

present in seaweeds in its calcium, sodium, magnesium or other salt forms, and not in the free 

acid form, it is clear that the free acid form does not appear in nature. (2015 Technical Review –

Alginic Acid, Lines 283-286). In the 1995 TAP review for Alginic Acid, the reviewers determined 

that the material was non-synthetic. However, given the draft Classification of Materials 

document and the information presented in the 2015 TR it was d determined that Alginic Acid 

should be considered synthetic based on the definition of "synthetic" at §205.2 of the Federal 

rule.

NOSB Vote: 

Motion to reclassify alginic acid from §205.605(a) to §205.605(b) of the National List.

Motion by: Tracy Favre

Seconded by: Lisa De Lima 

Yes: 13 No: 0 Abstain: 1 Absent: 0 Recuse: 0

Outcome: Motion Passed
National Organic Standards Board

Handling Subcommittee Proposal

Re-classification of Alginic Acid to §205.605(b)

June 2, 2015 

Summary of Proposed Action:

The Handling Subcommittee proposes reclassification of Alginic Acid from §205.605(a) to §205.605(b) of 

the National List.

Subcommittee Review 

Alginic acid is derived from wild harvested seaweeds. Increasing demand for alginic acid and alginates 

has led to some concerns regarding potential for overharvesting of these wild seaweeds. 

Alginic acid exists naturally in both brown seaweeds and two bacterial genera. However, alginic acid is 

manufactured on an industrial scale through a chemical separation process that involves the 

maceration, alkali treatment and acid precipitation of alginic acid from brown seaweeds. In order to 

separate alginic acid from its salt form, it is subjected to numerous pH adjustments to promote ion 

exchange. These chemical processes result in pure alginic acid. Since alginic acid is present in seaweeds 

in its calcium, sodium, magnesium or other salt forms, and not in the free acid form, it is clear that the 

free acid form does not appear in nature. (2015 Technical Review – Alginic Acid, Lines 283-286). In the 

1995 TAP review for Alginic Acid, the reviewers determined that the material was non-synthetic. 

However, given the draft Classification of Materials document and the information presented in the 

2015 TR, it could be suggested that Alginic Acid is synthetic. 

There has been recent research into production of Alginic Acid and Alginates from a biological 

fermentation process. However, this process does not currently produce sufficient quantities to be 

commercially available, (2015 Technical Review – Alginic Acid, Lines 299-300).

FDA limits the use of Alginic Acid as a stabilizers, emulsifier and thickener in soups and soup mixes. 

The Handling subcommittee proposes that Alginic Acid remain on the National List. However, the 

Handling subcommittee is bringing forward a proposal to change the listing from 205.605(a) to 

205.605(b) due to the determination that Alginic Acid would likely be classified as synthetic under the 

new draft Classification of Materials document. 

Vote in Subcommittee

Motion to reclassify Alginic Acid from §205.605(a) to §205.605(b) of the National List. 

Motion by: Tracy Favre

Seconded by: Lisa De Lima 

Yes: 6 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0

Approved by Tom Chapman, Subcommittee Chair, to transmit to NOSB August 25, 2015