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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Notes 

Tuesday, December 15, 2020 12:30 pm ET

Present: Jerry D’Amore (JD), Chair; Asa Bradman (AB), Vice Chair; Steve Ela (SE); Kim Huseman (KH); Scott 

Rice (SR); Wood Turner (WT)

Absent: None

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC)

Agenda

• Review December 1 notes

• 2023 Sunset: Tartaric acid (SE) - discuss review

• 2023 Sunset: Cellulose (SR) - discuss review

• 2023 Sunset: Potassium hydroxide (SE) - discuss review

• Phosphoric acid (AB/MJ) - discuss need for full TR or limited scope TR

• Additional items 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• December 1 notes were accepted as written.

• 2023 Sunset: Tartaric acid (SE). The lead summarized the substance, its uses, and the questions 

that the HS will include in the first posting of the review. The HS will submit the review to NOP for 

the Spring meeting.

• 2023 Sunset: Cellulose (SR). The lead summarized cellulose and its uses allowed in organic, as well 

as the questions for public comment. During the last review there was wide support to relist, and 

commenters also mentioned reviewing ancillary substances. The Subcommittee expects additional 

comments about ancillaries during this next review. The HS added a couple of questions to the 

review and will add the same questions to the tartaric acid review. 

• 2023 Sunset: Potassium hydroxide (SE). The lead summarized potassium hydroxide, noting that it 

has multiple uses and is widely used. The HS added some questions about alternatives and 

possible ancillary substances. KH will check to see if it is still being used on poultry. A member 

added that the NOSB currently has a proposal for cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) that has similar 

uses.

• Phosphoric acid (AB/MJ). The group discussed the need for either a full TR or limited scope TR

and will request a full TR. 

• Additional items. 

o Research priorities. The lead will send the Fall 2020 version of the research priorities and 

is seeking input about any new priorities for discussion on the next HS call. 

o Sunset reviews. Members discussed best practices and resources for developing a review 

for several substances that are undergoing their first sunset review. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET. except where noted)

December 1, 2020 (rescheduled to 12:30 ET)

Talk about Qs for limited scope TR for phosphoric acid (AB/MJ)

December 15, 2020 (rescheduled to 12:30 ET)

2023 Sunset: Tartaric acid (SE) - discuss review
2023 Sunset: Cellulose (SR) - discuss review

2023 Sunset: Potassium hydroxide (SE) - discuss review

Phosphoric acid (AB/MJ) - discuss need for full TR or limited scope TR

January 5, 2021

2023 Sunset: Silicon dioxide (SR) - discuss review

Research Priorities - finalize list to send to Materials Subcomm

Ion exchange filtration proposal (SE/SR) - discuss review

January 19, 2021

2023 Sunset: Agar-agar (KH) - discuss review

2023 Sunset: Animal enzymes (KH) - discuss review

2023 Sunset: Calcium sulfate - mined (WT) - discuss review

2023 Sunset: Chlorine materials (AB) -

February 2, 2021

2023 Sunset: Carrageenan (AB/JD) - discuss review

Zein (JD) - Discuss petition discussion doc 

Fish oil annotation proposal (AB) – discuss

Phosphoric acid (AB/MJ) - discussion draft pet discussion doc

February 16, 2021

2023 Sunset: Glucono delta-lactone (WT) - discuss review

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) (AB/KH) - discuss petition discussion doc

March 2, 2021

March 16, 2021

April 6, 2021

April 20, 2021

May 4, 2021

May 18, 2021

June 1, 2021

June 15, 2021

July 6, 2021

July 20, 2021

August 3, 2021

August 17, 2021

September 7, 2021

September 21, 2021

October 5, 2021

October 19, 2021

November 2, 2021

November 16, 2021

December 7, 2021

December 21, 2021

 
 Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances:

Other Projects

Substance National

List Contact DocType Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Whey protein 

concentrate

(removal from 

205.606)

205.606 SE/AB Proposal Petition sent to HS 12.23.19. 

Sufficiency due 2.29.20. HS sent 

additional questions to 

petitioner 02.04.20. Questions 

revised and resent 3.13.20. 

Response returned 3.23.20. 

Sufficiency due ASAP. HS found 

petition sufficient 07.07.20

TBD TBD

Cetylpyridinium 

chloride (CPC)

205.605 AB/KH Disc doc Petition sent to HS 01.13.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.13.20. HS 

sent additional questions to 

petitioner 03.17.20. Petitioners 

responses sent to HS 5.4.20. 

Petition found sufficient 

05.19.20. The HS requested TR 

06.02.20. Expected back in midJanuary.

5.19.20

06.02.20

07.21.20

2.16.21

Spr 

2021

Phosphoric acid -

amend annotation

Addendum #1

Addendum #2

205.605(b) AB Disc doc 2003 TR

Petition sent to HS 01.28.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.28.20. HS

sent additional questions to 

petitioner 03.17.20. Response 

sent to HS 4.6.20. HS sent

additional questions to 

petitioner 5.6.20. Response sent 

to HS 8.10.20. Petition found 

sufficient 9.1.20 and HS will 

request a full TR.

05.05.20

09.01.20

12.1.20

12.15.20

2.2.21

Spr 

2021

Zein 205.606 JD Disc doc Petition sent to HS 03.20.20. 

Sufficiency due 05.19.20. HS sent

additional questions to the 

petitioner 06.02.20. Response 

sent to HS 06.16.20. HS found 

petition sufficient 07.07.20 and 

requested a TR. TR due to HS 

early January.

05.19.20

07.07.20

07.21.20

2.2.21

Spr 

2021

Substance Contact Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Fish oil annotation

proposal

AB Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

2.2.21 Spr 2021

L-Malic acid 

reclassification

SR Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

TBD Fall 2021
*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote

2023 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2020), Summary (Spr 2021), Review (Fall 2021)

Ion exchange 

filtration proposal

SE/SR NOP memo sent to NOSB 8.27.19. TR requested 9.3.19. 

TR due in ~ mid-January 2020. TR sent to HS 03.11.20. TR 

suff due 05.10.20. HS sent additional questions to TR 

contractor 6/9/2020. Response to questions sent to HS 

07.24.20. TR was found sufficient 08.04.20.

1.5.21 Spr 2021

Research Priorities ALL RPs due to MS 01.19.21. 1.5.20 Spr 2021

Packaging 

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 1.12.14. 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: 2.21.17. New TR in 

development. Expected July 2017. TR received 7.10.17. 

Response due 09.8.17. TR found sufficient 8.1.17. ON 

HOLD. 

TBD Discussion 

doc

On hold

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

? 2011 NOSB recommendation DHA

2011 NOSB recommendation ARA

Pending NOP Approval. Approved for addition to the 

work agenda 1.12.16. ON HOLD pending NOP action.

TBD TBD

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.19.21 Summary: 

Spr 2021

Review: 

Fall 2021

Animal enzymes 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR Enzymes

2015 TR Enzymes

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.19.21

Calcium sulfate -

mined

205.605(a) WT N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2001 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.19.21 “

Carrageenan 205.605(a) AB/JD N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

2.2.21 “

Glucono delta-lactone 205.605(a) WT/ARB N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

2.16.21 “

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) SE N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.15.20 “
Cellulose 205.605(b) SR N Sunset date: 11/3/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.15.20 “

Chlorine materials

(i) Calcium 

hypochlorite.

(ii) Chlorine dioxide.

(iii) Hypochlorous 

acid—generated from 

electrolyzed water.

(iv) Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AB N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR Hypochlorous Acid

2016/Spr Rec to ADD

1.19.21

Potassium hydroxide 205.605(b) SE N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.15.20 “

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) SR N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2010 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.5.21 “

Potassium lactate 205.605(b) JD N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR (Lactic Acid, Sodium 

Lactate, and Potassium 

Lactate)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

12.1.20 “

Sodium lactate 205.605(b) JD N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR (Lactic Acid, Sodium 

Lactate, and Potassium 

Lactate)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

12.1.20 “

Spring 2021 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment ~Nov 15, 2020

NOSB - Spring 2021 proposals due to NOP Feb 18, 2021

New NOSB member training TBD

NOP - Draft Spring 2021 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 2, 2021

NOP - Post proposals Mar 3, 2021

Public comment closes Apr 1, 2021

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 6, 2021

Public comment webinars Apr 20 & 22, 2021

Spring 2021 NOSB meeting - Crystal City, VA Apr 28 - 30, 2021
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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Notes 

Tuesday, December 1, 2020 12:30 pm ET

Present: Jerry D’Amore (JD), Chair; Asa Bradman (AB), Vice Chair; Steve Ela (SE); Kim Huseman (KH); Scott Rice 

(SR); Wood Turner (WT)

Absent: None

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC); Andrea Holm (AH)

Agenda

• New HS chair

• Review November 17 notes

• Limited scope TR questions for phosphoric acid (AB/MJ)

• Discuss potassium lactate

• Discuss sodium lactate

• Assign discussion dates for sunsets and other work agenda items

• Zein transfer

• Additional items 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• HS chair. Jerry D’Amore is the new Handling Chair for 2021, and will assume duties on the next call.

• November 17 notes were accepted as written. 

• Limited scope TR questions for phosphoric acid (AB/MJ). The leads and NOP discussed the questions 

for the limited scope TR, which pertained to food contact. The HS members will re-review the petition 

and determine if they may need a full TR, and will discuss it again on December 15.

• Discuss potassium lactate and sodium lactate (JD). The lead summarized the history and public 

comment for the two substances, which were added to the National List in 2019. Both potassium lactate 

and sodium lactate are approved as anti-microbials and are generally regarded as safe (GRAS) by FDA. 

The group discussed possible environmental concerns from gypsum, which is a biproduct. The lead will 

circulate the draft documents so others can review before sending them to the NOP to be posted for the 

Spring 2021 meeting. 

• Assign discussion dates for sunsets and other work agenda items. See table and future call dates 

below.

• Zein transfer. Zein was transferred to JD for review.

• Additional items. 

o The L-Malic acid reclassification will be put on hold. Perhaps until the Fall 2021 meeting, while 

the HS continues to discuss fermentation processes.

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET. except where noted)

November 17, 2020 (rescheduled to 12:30 ET)

December 1, 2020 (rescheduled to 12:30 ET)

Talk about Qs for limited scope TR for phosphoric acid (AB/MJ)

December 15, 2020 (rescheduled to 12:30 ET)

2023 Sunset: Tartaric acid (SE) - discuss review
2023 Sunset: Cellulose (SR) - discuss review

2023 Sunset: Potassium hydroxide (SE) - discuss review

Phosphoric acid (AB/MJ) - discuss need for full TR or limited scope TR

January 5, 2021

2023 Sunset: Silicon dioxide (SR) - discuss review

Research Priorities - finalize list to send to Materials Subcomm

Ion exchange filtration proposal (SE/SR) - discuss review

January 19, 2021

2023 Sunset: Agar-agar (KH) - discuss review

2023 Sunset: Animal enzymes (KH) - discuss review

2023 Sunset: Calcium sulfate - mined (WT) - discuss review

2023 Sunset: Chlorine materials (AB) -

February 2, 2021

2023 Sunset: Carrageenan (AB/JD) - discuss review

Zein (JD) - Discuss petition discussion doc 

Fish oil annotation proposal (AB) - discuss

February 16, 2021

2023 Sunset: Glucono delta-lactone (WT) - discuss review

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) (AB/KH) - discuss petition discussion doc

March 2, 2021

March 16, 2021

April 6, 2021

Work Agenda

 Petitioned Substances

Substance National

List Contact DocType Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Whey protein 

concentrate

(removal from 

205.606)

205.606 SE/AB Proposal Petition sent to HS 12.23.19. 

Sufficiency due 2.29.20. HS sent 

additional questions to 

petitioner 02.04.20. Questions 

revised and resent 3.13.20. 

Response returned 3.23.20. 

Sufficiency due ASAP. HS found 

petition sufficient 07.07.20

TBD TBD

Cetylpyridinium 

chloride (CPC)

205.605 AB/KH Disc doc Petition sent to HS 01.13.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.13.20. HS 

sent additional questions to 

petitioner 03.17.20. Petitioners 

responses sent to HS 5.4.20. 

Petition found sufficient 

05.19.20. The HS requested TR 

06.02.20. Expected back in midJanuary.

5.19.20

06.02.20

07.21.20

2.16.21

Spr 

2021
Other Projects

Phosphoric acid -

amend annotation

Addendum #1

Addendum #2

205.605(b) AB/MJ Disc doc 2003 TR

Petition sent to HS 01.28.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.28.20. HS

sent additional questions to 

petitioner 03.17.20. Response 

sent to HS 4.6.20. HS sent

additional questions to 

petitioner 5.6.20. Response sent 

to HS 8.10.20. Petition found 

sufficient 9.1.20 and HS will 

request a Lmt’d Scope TR.

05.05.20

09.01.20

12.1.20

12.15.20

Spr 

2021

Zein 205.606 JD Disc doc Petition sent to HS 03.20.20. 

Sufficiency due 05.19.20. HS sent

additional questions to the 

petitioner 06.02.20. Response 

sent to HS 06.16.20. HS found 

petition sufficient 07.07.20 and 

requested a TR. TR due to HS 

early January.

05.19.20

07.07.20

07.21.20

2.2.21

Spr 

2021

Substance Contact Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Fish oil annotation

proposal

AB Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

2.2.21 Spr 2021

L-Malic acid 

reclassification

SR Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

TBD Fall 2021

Ion exchange 

filtration proposal

SE/SR NOP memo sent to NOSB 8.27.19. TR requested 9.3.19. 

TR due in ~ mid-January 2020. TR sent to HS 03.11.20. TR 

suff due 05.10.20. HS sent additional questions to TR 

contractor 6/9/2020. Response to questions sent to HS 

07.24.20. TR was found sufficient 08.04.20.

1.5.21 Spr 2021

Research Priorities ALL RPs due to MS 01.19.21. 1.5.21 Spr 2021

Packaging 

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 1.12.14. 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: 2.21.17. New TR in 

development. Expected July 2017. TR received 7.10.17. 

Response due 09.8.17. TR found sufficient 8.1.17. ON 

HOLD. 

TBD Discussion 

doc

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

2023 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2020), Summary (Spr 2021), Review (Fall 2021)

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

? 2011 NOSB recommendation DHA

2011 NOSB recommendation ARA

Pending NOP Approval. Approved for addition to the 

work agenda 1.12.16. ON HOLD pending NOP action.

TBD TBD

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.19.21 Summary: 

Spr 2021

Review: 

Fall 2021

Animal enzymes 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR Enzymes

2015 TR Enzymes

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.19.21

Calcium sulfate -

mined

205.605(a) WT N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2001 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.19.21 “

Carrageenan 205.605(a) AB/JD N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

2.2.21 “

Glucono deltalactone205.605(a) WT/ARB N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

2.16.21 “

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) SE N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.15.20 “

Cellulose 205.605(b) SR N Sunset date: 11/3/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.15.20 “

Chlorine materials

(i) Calcium 

hypochlorite.

(ii) Chlorine dioxide.

(iii) Hypochlorous 

acid—generated 

from electrolyzed 

water.

(iv) Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AB N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR Hypochlorous Acid

2016/Spr Rec to ADD

1.19.21

Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) SE N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.15.20 “
Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) SR N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2010 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.5.21 “

Potassium lactate 205.605(b) JD N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR (Lactic Acid, Sodium 

Lactate, and Potassium Lactate)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

12.1.20 “

Sodium lactate 205.605(b) JD N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR (Lactic Acid, Sodium 

Lactate, and Potassium Lactate)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

12.1.20 “

Spring 2021 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment ~Nov 15, 2020

NOSB - Spring 2021 proposals due to NOP Feb 18, 2021

New NOSB member training TBD

NOP - Draft Spring 2021 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 2, 2021

NOP - Post proposals Mar 3, 2021

Public comment closes Apr 1, 2021

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 6, 2021

Public comment webinars Apr 20 & 22, 2021

Spring 2021 NOSB meeting - Crystal City, VA Apr 28 - 30, 2021
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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Notes 

Tuesday, November 17, 2020 12:30 pm ET

Present: Asa Bradman (AB), Chair; Steve Ela (SE) - Vice Chair; Scott Rice (SR); Kim Huseman (KH); Mindee Jeffery 

(MJ); Jerry D’Amore (JD); A-dae Briones (ARB) 

Absent: None

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC); Andrea Holm (AH)

Agenda

• Review October 6 notes

• Debrief from Fall meeting

• NOSB Fall Recommendations

• Schedule dates for 2023 sunset reviews

• Additional items 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• October 6 notes were accepted as written.

• Debrief from Fall meeting. 

o Members discussed outcomes from the Fall 2020 meeting and potential action items. The HS 

may work on possible annotations for cornstarch, kaolin (& use of nano materials), wood rosin 

(technical spelling correction), carnauba wax/shellac (solvent extraction, labeling use), sodium 

hydroxide (limit to essential uses). The HS Chair will compile a list and assign them to members 

to research. The HS will discuss further to determine what items, if any, to add to its work 

agenda. The NOSB chair added that labeling requirements (e.g. carnauba wax) may be outside 

the authority of OFPA, and is regulated by the FDA. A member suggested that it would be 

helpful to include that information in the reviews of various substances given that they often get 

questions and comments.

o Ion Exchange. The NOSB Chair will reach out to stakeholders about issues identified in public 

comment and the HS will continue to work on this project.

• NOSB Fall Recommendations. The final recommendations are due to NOP November 27. Coversheets 

and clean Word versions of the proposals were sent to the Subcommittee Chairs. The leads will add any 

additional comments from the Fall meeting and verify that the OFPA criteria are cited where applicable. 

NOP can add the vote totals from the Fall meeting. 

• Schedule dates for 2023 sunset reviews. Three sunset discussion dates were assigned (see table below) 

and the HS Chair will schedule the remainder and send them to the HS members. Some of the 2023 

sunsets were reassigned in anticipation of new Subcommittee rosters. 

• Additional items. 

o Fish oil annotation. The HS Chair would like to assign a co-lead. The HS may develop a proposal 

for the Spring 2021 meeting. 

o Limited scope TR for phosphoric acid. Send questions to NOP so NOP can send it out for bids. 

o The HS will likely post a discussion document for Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) at the Spring 

2021 meeting, and a proposal for the Fall 2021 meeting. 

• The meeting was adjourned
Previous HS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET. except where noted)

November 3, 2020 (rescheduled to 12:30 ET)- cancelled

November 17, 2020 (rescheduled to 12:30 ET)

December 1, 2020 (rescheduled to 12:30 ET)

Talk about Qs for limited scope TR for phosphoric acid. 

December 15, 2020 (rescheduled to 12:30 ET)

2023 Sunset: Tartaric acid (SE)

2023 Sunset: Cellulose (CAS #9004-34-6) (SR)

January 5, 2021

Research Priorities – finalize list to send to MS

2023 Sunset: Glucono delta-lactone (ARB)

January 19, 2021

February 2, 2021

February 16, 2021

March 2, 2021

March 16, 2021

April 6, 2021

Work Agenda

 Petitioned Substances

Substance National

List Contact DocType Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Whey protein 

concentrate

(removal from 

205.606)

205.606 SE/AB/ARB Proposal Petition sent to HS 12.23.19. 

Sufficiency due 2.29.20. HS sent 

additional questions to 

petitioner 02.04.20. Questions 

revised and resent 3.13.20. 

Response returned 3.23.20. 

Sufficiency due ASAP. HS found 

petition sufficient 07.07.20

TBD TBD

Cetylpyridinium 

chloride (CPC)

205.605 AB/KH Disc doc Petition sent to HS 01.13.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.13.20. HS 

sent additional questions to 

petitioner 03.17.20. Petitioners 

responses sent to HS 5.4.20. 

Petition found sufficient 

05.19.20. The HS requested TR 

06.02.20. Expected back in midDecember.

5.19.20

06.02.20

07.21.20

Spr 

2021

Phosphoric acid -

amend annotation

Addendum #1

Addendum #2

205.605(b) AB/MJ Disc doc Petition sent to HS 01.28.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.28.20. HS

sent additional questions to 

petitioner 03.17.20. Response 

sent to HS 4.6.20. HS sent

additional questions to 

petitioner 5.6.20. Response sent 

05.05.20

09.01.20

12.1.20

Spr 

2021
Other Projects

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

to HS 8.10.20. Petition found 

sufficient 9.1.20 and HS will 

request a Lmt’d Scope TR.

Zein 205.606 MJ Proposal Petition sent to HS 03.20.20. 

Sufficiency due 05.19.20. HS sent

additional questions to the 

petitioner 06.02.20. Response 

sent to HS 06.16.20. HS found 

petition sufficient 07.07.20 and 

requested a TR. TR due to HS 

early Jan.

05.19.20

07.07.20

07.21.20

Spr 

2021

Substance Contact Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Fish oil annotation

proposal

AB Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

TBD Spr 2021

L-Malic acid 

reclassification

SR Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

TBD Spr 2021

Ion exchange 

filtration proposal

SE/SR NOP memo sent to NOSB 8.27.19. TR requested 9.3.19. 

TR due in ~ mid-January 2020. TR sent to HS 03.11.20. TR 

suff due 05.10.20. HS sent additional questions to TR 

contractor 6/9/2020. Response to questions sent to HS 

07.24.20. TR was found sufficient 08.04.20.

TBD Spr 2021

Research Priorities ALL RPs due to MS 01.19.21. 1.5.20 Spr 2021

Packaging 

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 1.12.14. 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: 2.21.17. New TR in 

development. Expected July 2017. TR received 7.10.17. 

Response due 09.8.17. TR found sufficient 8.1.17. ON 

HOLD. 

TBD Discussion 

doc

On hold

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

? 2011 NOSB recommendation DHA

2011 NOSB recommendation ARA

Pending NOP Approval. Approved for addition to the 

work agenda 1.12.16. ON HOLD pending NOP action.

TBD TBD
2023 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2020), Summary (Spr 2021), Review (Fall 2021)

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

Summary: 

Spr 2021

Review: 

Fall 2021

Animal enzymes 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR Enzymes

2015 TR Enzymes

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

Calcium sulfate—

mined

205.605(a) JD N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2001 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Carrageenan 205.605(a) AB/JD N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Glucono deltalactone205.605(a) ARB N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.5.20 “

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) SE N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.15.20 “

Cellulose (CAS 

#9004-34-6) 

205.605(b) SR N Sunset date: 11/3/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.15.20 “

Chlorine materials

(i) Calcium 

hypochlorite.

(ii) Chlorine dioxide.

(iii) Hypochlorous 

acid—generated 

from electrolyzed 

water.

(iv) Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) AB N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR Hypochlorous Acid

2016/Spr Rec to ADD

Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) SE N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) AB N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2010 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

Potassium lactate 205.605(b) JD N Sunset date: 1/28/2024
2015 TR ( Lactic Acid, Sodium 

Lactate, and Potassium Lactate)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

Sodium lactate 205.605(b) JD N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR ( Lactic Acid, Sodium 

Lactate, and Potassium Lactate)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

Spring 2021 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment ~Nov 15, 2020

NOSB - Spring 2021 proposals due to NOP Feb 18, 2021

New NOSB member training TBD

NOP - Draft Spring 2021 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 2, 2021

NOP - Post proposals Mar 3, 2021

Public comment closes Apr 1, 2021

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 6, 2021

Public comment webinars Apr 20 & 22, 2021

Spring 2021 NOSB meeting - Crystal City, VA Apr 28 - 30, 2021
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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Notes 

Tuesday, October 6, 2020 12:30 pm ET

Present: Asa Bradman (AB), Chair; Steve Ela (SE) - Vice Chair; Scott Rice (SR); Kim Huseman (KH); Mindee Jeffery 

(MJ); Jerry D’Amore (JD)

Absent: A-dae Briones (ARB) 

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC); Devon Pattillo (DP)

Agenda

• Discuss public comments/review roles for Fall meeting. 

• Additional items 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Discuss public comments/review roles for Fall meeting. 

o The group discussed the process for reviewing comments and presenting the substances at the 

Fall meeting. Each lead will introduce a material including a summary of the comments, before 

the Board members discuss it and vote. The group also discussed the presence of section 

205.606 on the list and how it is viewed and utilized, in addition to comments about specific 

substances that are listed on 205.606. 

o Members also discussed Marine Materials and how the proposal could relate to the Handling 

work agenda item on fish oil. 

• Additional items. The HS will reschedule the next few meetings to 12:30 ET and may cancel the 

November 3 meeting. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET. except where noted)

September 15, 2020 - cancelled

October 6, 2020

Discuss public comments/review roles for Fall meeting

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020 (rescheduled to 12:30 ET)

November 17, 2020 (rescheduled to 12:30 ET)

December 1, 2020 (rescheduled to 12:30 ET)

December 15, 2020
Work Agenda

 Petitioned Substances

Substance National

List Contact DocType Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Low acyl gellan gum 205.605 SR/JD Proposal Petition sent to HS 9.17.19. 

Sufficiency due 11.15.19. HS sent 

additional questions to 

petitioner 1.6.19. Response sent 

to HS 3.5.20. Petition found 

sufficient 3.17.20. 

 05.19.20

06.02.20

Fall 2020

Whey protein 

concentrate

(removal from 

205.606)

205.606 SE/AB/ARB Proposal Petition sent to HS 12.23.19. 

Sufficiency due 2.29.20. HS sent 

additional questions to 

petitioner 02.04.20. Questions 

revised and resent 3.13.20. 

Response returned 3.23.20. 

Sufficiency due ASAP. HS found 

petition sufficient 07.07.20

4.7.20

07.07.20

08.04.20

Fall 

2020

Cetylpyridinium 

chloride (CPC)

205.605 AB/KH Proposal Petition sent to HS 01.13.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.13.20. HS 

sent additional questions to 

petitioner 03.17.20. Petitioners 

responses sent to HS 5.4.20. 

Petition found sufficient 

05.19.20. The HS requested TR 

06.02.20. Expected back in late 

October.

5.19.20

06.02.20

07.21.20

Spr 

2021

Phosphoric acid -

amend annotation

Addendum #1

Addendum #2

205.605(b) AB/MJ Proposal Petition sent to HS 01.28.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.28.20. HS

sent additional questions to 

petitioner 03.17.20. Response 

sent to HS 4.6.20. HS sent

additional questions to 

petitioner 5.6.20. Response sent 

to HS 8.10.20. Sufficiency due 

ASAP. Petition found sufficient 

9.1.20 and requested a Lmt’d 

Scope TR.

05.05.20

09.01.20

Spr 

2021

Zein 205.606 MJ Proposal Petition sent to HS 03.20.20. 

Sufficiency due 05.19.20. HS sent

additional questions to the 

petitioner 06.02.20. Response 

sent to HS 06.16.20. HS found 

petition sufficient 07.07.20 and 

requested a TR. TR due to HS 

early Jan.

05.19.20

07.07.20

07.21.20

Spr 

2021
Other Projects

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

2022 Sunsets - TR Requests: July 2019, Summary: Spr 2020, Review: Fall 2020

Substance Contact Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Fish oil annotation

proposal

AB Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

TBD Spr 2021

L-Malic acid 

reclassification

SR Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

TBD Spr 2021

Ion exchange 

filtration proposal

SE/SR NOP memo sent to NOSB 8.27.19. TR requested 9.3.19. 

TR due in ~ mid-January 2020. TR sent to HS 03.11.20. TR 

suff due 05.10.20. HS sent additional questions to TR 

contractor 6/9/2020. Response to questions sent to HS 

07.24.20. TR was found sufficient 08.04.20.

5.19.20

08.04.20

Fall 2020

Research Priorities ALL RPs due to MS July 2020. 07.07.20 Fall 2020

Packaging 

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 1.12.14. 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: 2.21.17. New TR in 

development. Expected July 2017. TR received 7.10.17. 

Response due 09.8.17. TR found sufficient 8.1.17. ON 

HOLD. 

TBD Discussion 

doc

On hold

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

? 2011 NOSB recommendation DHA

2011 NOSB recommendation ARA

Pending NOP Approval. Approved for addition to the 

work agenda 1.12.16. ON HOLD pending NOP action.

TBD TBD

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Kaolin 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

1995 TAP (Kaolin & Bentonite)

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 Summary: 

Spr 2020 

Review: 

Fall 2020

Sodium 

bicarbonate

205.605(a) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 ”

Waxes—

nonsynthetic 

(Wood resin)

205.605(a) KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “
Ammonium 

bicarbonate

205.605(b) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Ammonium 

carbonate

205.605(b) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20

Calcium 

phosphates 

(monobasic, 

dibasic, and 

tribasic)

205.605(b) JD N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2016 TR for Phosphates

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Ozone 205.605(b) SR N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 .

Sodium hydroxide 205.605(b) MJ Y Sunset date 3/15/2022

TAP: 1995

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

TR sent to HS 02.6.20. TR 

Sufficiency due 04.6.20. HS 

sent additional questions

3.17.20. Response due back 

5.20.20. Revised TR sent to HS 

05.20.20. TR sufficiency due 

ASAP. TR found sufficient 

06.02.20.

07.07.20 “

Carnauba wax 205.606 KH N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2015/Fall - Rec to Reclassify

07.21.20 “

Colors (18)

Beet juice extract 

color; 

Beta-carotene 

extract color;

Black currant juice 

color; 

Black/purple carrot 

juice color;

Blueberry juice 

color;

Carrot juice color;

Cherry juice color;

Chokeberry, aronia 

juice color;

Elderberry juice 

color;

Grape juice color;

205.606 SE/JD N Sunset date: 

Beta carotene 5/29/2023; 

All others 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.21.20
Grape skin extract 

color;

Paprika color;

Pumpkin juice 

color;

Purple sweet 

potato juice color;

Red cabbage 

extract color;

Red radish extract 

color;

Saffron extract 

color;

Turmeric extract 

color

Glycerin (CAS # 56-

81-5)

205.606 JD N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2013 TR

07.21.20

Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (IOE) (CAS 

# 9005-80-5)

205.606 JD N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

08.04.20 “

Kelp 205.606 ARB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

08.04.20 “

Orange shellacunbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

08.04.20 “

Cornstarch (native) 205.606 AB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

Sweet potato 

starch

205.606 AB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20

Turkish bay leaves 205.606 SR N Sunset date 6/27/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

07.21.20 “

Whey protein 

concentrate

205.606 SE/AB/ARB N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

08.04.20 “

Fall 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 21, 2020
2023 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2020), Summary (Spr 2021), Review (Fall 2021)

NOSB Request for TRs for 2023 sunset materials Jul 23, 2020

NOP - Draft Fall 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 1, 2020

NOSB - Fall 2020 proposals due to NOP Aug 13, 2020

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 2, 2020

Public comment closes Oct 1, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 9, 2020

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Sep 15, 2020

Public comment webinars Oct 20 & 22, 2020

Fall 2020 NOSB meeting - Cedar Rapids, IA Oct 28 - 30, 2020

Sanitizer Panel Nov 12, 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 Summary: 

Spr 2021

Review: 

Fall 2021

Animal enzymes 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR Enzymes

2015 TR Enzymes

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20

Calcium sulfate—

mined

205.605(a) JD N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2001 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Carrageenan 205.605(a) MJ/AB N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Glucono deltalactone205.605(a) ARB N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) SE N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Cellulose (CAS 

#9004-34-6) 

205.605(b) SE N Sunset date: 11/3/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “
Chlorine materials

(i) Calcium 

hypochlorite.

(ii) Chlorine dioxide.

(iii) Hypochlorous 

acid—generated 

from electrolyzed 

water.

(iv) Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) TBD N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR Hypochlorous Acid

2016/Spr Rec to ADD

07.07.20

Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) MJ N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) AB N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2010 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20

Potassium lactate 205.605(b) JD N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR ( Lactic Acid, Sodium 

Lactate, and Potassium Lactate)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

07.07.20

Sodium lactate 205.605(b) JD N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR ( Lactic Acid, Sodium 

Lactate, and Potassium Lactate)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

07.07.20
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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Notes 

Tuesday, September 1, 2020 12:00 pm ET

Present: Asa Bradman (AB), Chair; Steve Ela (SE) - Vice Chair; Scott Rice (SR); Kim Huseman (KH); Mindee Jeffery 

(MJ); Jerry D’Amore (JD)

Absent: A-dae Briones (RB)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC); Devon Pattillo (DP)

Agenda

• Phosphoric acid petition + addendum - Petition sufficiency

• Sanitizer Panel Charge Questions

• Additional items 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Phosphoric acid petition + addendum. The group discussed the addendum to the petition, noting that 

the petitioner is asking for a limited specific use. The petition was found sufficient. Members discussed 

the previous TR for phosphoric acid, from 2003, which does not address this specific use. HS requested a 

limited scope TR.

• Sanitizer Panel Charge Questions. The HS discussed the questions and charge to the panelists who will 

be on the Sanitizer panel. The HS would like to add two questions: one about distinguishing between 

food contact and equipment contact; and one about cross resistance with antibiotics. The Materials 

Subcommittee will also be discussing the panel next week. 

• Additional items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

August 18, 2020 - cancelled

September 1, 2020

Phosphoric acid petition + addendum - Petition sufficiency

September 15, 2020

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 17, 2020

December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020
Work Agenda

 Petitioned Substances

Substance National

List Contact DocType Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Low acyl gellan gum 205.605 SR/JD Proposal Petition sent to HS 9.17.19. 

Sufficiency due 11.15.19. HS sent 

additional questions to 

petitioner 1.6.19. Response sent 

to HS 3.5.20. Petition found 

sufficient 3.17.20. 

 05.19.20

06.02.20

Fall 2020

Whey protein 

concentrate

(removal from 

205.606)

205.606 SE/AB/ARB Proposal Petition sent to HS 12.23.19. 

Sufficiency due 2.29.20. HS sent 

additional questions to 

petitioner 02.04.20. Questions 

revised and resent 3.13.20. 

Response returned 3.23.20. 

Sufficiency due ASAP. HS found 

petition sufficient 07.07.20

4.7.20

07.07.20

08.04.20

Fall 

2020

Cetylpyridinium 

chloride (CPC)

205.605 AB/KH Proposal Petition sent to HS 01.13.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.13.20. HS 

sent additional questions to 

petitioner 03.17.20. Petitioners 

responses sent to HS 5.4.20. 

Petition found sufficient 

05.19.20. The HS requested TR 

06.02.20. Expected back in late 

October.

5.19.20

06.02.20

07.21.20

Spr 

2021

Phosphoric acid -

amend annotation

Addendum #1

Addendum #2

205.605(b) AB/MJ Proposal Petition sent to HS 01.28.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.28.20. HS

sent additional questions to 

petitioner 03.17.20. Response 

sent to HS 4.6.20. HS sent

additional questions to 

petitioner 5.6.20. Response sent 

to HS 8.10.20. Sufficiency due 

ASAP. Petition found sufficient 

9.1.20 and requested a Lmt’d 

Scope TR.

05.05.20

09.01.20

Spr 

2021

Zein 205.606 MJ Proposal Petition sent to HS 03.20.20. 

Sufficiency due 05.19.20. HS sent

additional questions to the 

petitioner 06.02.20. Response 

sent to HS 06.16.20. HS found 

petition sufficient 07.07.20 and 

requested a TR. 

05.19.20

07.07.20

07.21.20

TBD
Other Projects

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

2022 Sunsets - TR Requests: July 2019, Summary: Spr 2020, Review: Fall 2020

Substance Contact Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Fish oil annotation

proposal

AB Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

TBD Spr 2021

L-Malic acid 

reclassification

SR Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

TBD Spr 2021

Ion exchange 

filtration proposal

SE/SR NOP memo sent to NOSB 8.27.19. TR requested 9.3.19. 

TR due in ~ mid-January 2020. TR sent to HS 03.11.20. TR 

suff due 05.10.20. HS sent additional questions to TR 

contractor 6/9/2020. Response to questions sent to HS 

07.24.20. TR was found sufficient 08.04.20.

5.19.20

08.04.20

Fall 2020

Research Priorities ALL RPs due to MS July 2020. 07.07.20 Fall 2020

Packaging 

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 1.12.14. 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: 2.21.17. New TR in 

development. Expected July 2017. TR received 7.10.17. 

Response due 09.8.17. TR found sufficient 8.1.17. ON 

HOLD. 

TBD Discussion 

doc

On hold

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

? 2011 NOSB recommendation DHA

2011 NOSB recommendation ARA

Pending NOP Approval. Approved for addition to the 

work agenda 1.12.16. ON HOLD pending NOP action.

TBD TBD

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Kaolin 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

1995 TAP (Kaolin & Bentonite)

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 Summary: 

Spr 2020 

Review: 

Fall 2020

Sodium 

bicarbonate

205.605(a) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 ”

Waxes—

nonsynthetic 

(Wood resin)

205.605(a) KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “
Ammonium 

bicarbonate

205.605(b) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Ammonium 

carbonate

205.605(b) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20

Calcium 

phosphates 

(monobasic, 

dibasic, and 

tribasic)

205.605(b) JD N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2016 TR for Phosphates

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Ozone 205.605(b) SR N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 .

Sodium hydroxide 205.605(b) MJ Y Sunset date 3/15/2022

TAP: 1995

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

TR sent to HS 02.6.20. TR 

Sufficiency due 04.6.20. HS 

sent additional questions

3.17.20. Response due back 

5.20.20. Revised TR sent to HS 

05.20.20. TR sufficiency due 

ASAP. TR found sufficient 

06.02.20.

07.07.20 “

Carnauba wax 205.606 KH N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2015/Fall - Rec to Reclassify

07.21.20 “

Colors (18)

Beet juice extract 

color; 

Beta-carotene 

extract color;

Black currant juice 

color; 

Black/purple carrot 

juice color;

Blueberry juice 

color;

Carrot juice color;

Cherry juice color;

Chokeberry, aronia 

juice color;

Elderberry juice 

color;

Grape juice color;

205.606 SE/JD N Sunset date: 

Beta carotene 5/29/2023; 

All others 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.21.20
Grape skin extract 

color;

Paprika color;

Pumpkin juice 

color;

Purple sweet 

potato juice color;

Red cabbage 

extract color;

Red radish extract 

color;

Saffron extract 

color;

Turmeric extract 

color

Glycerin (CAS # 56-

81-5)

205.606 JD N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2013 TR

07.21.20

Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (IOE) (CAS 

# 9005-80-5)

205.606 JD N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

08.04.20 “

Kelp 205.606 ARB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

08.04.20 “

Orange shellacunbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

08.04.20 “

Cornstarch (native) 205.606 AB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

Sweet potato 

starch

205.606 AB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20

Turkish bay leaves 205.606 SR N Sunset date 6/27/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

07.21.20 “

Whey protein 

concentrate

205.606 SE/AB/ARB N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

08.04.20 “

Fall 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 21, 2020
2023 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2020), Summary (Spr 2021), Review (Fall 2021)

NOSB Request for TRs for 2023 sunset materials Jul 23, 2020

NOP - Draft Fall 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 1, 2020

NOSB - Fall 2020 proposals due to NOP Aug 13, 2020

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 2, 2020

Public comment closes Oct 1, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 9, 2020

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Sep 15, 2020

Public comment webinars Oct 20 & 22, 2020

Fall 2020 NOSB meeting - Cedar Rapids, IA Oct 28 - 30, 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 Summary: 

Spr 2021

Review: 

Fall 2021

Animal enzymes 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR Enzymes

2015 TR Enzymes

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20

Calcium sulfate—

mined

205.605(a) JD N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2001 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Carrageenan 205.605(a) MJ/AB N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Glucono deltalactone205.605(a) ARB N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) SE N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Cellulose (CAS 

#9004-34-6) 

205.605(b) SE N Sunset date: 11/3/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Chlorine materials

(i) Calcium 

hypochlorite.

(ii) Chlorine dioxide.

205.605(b) TBD N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR Hypochlorous Acid

2016/Spr Rec to ADD

07.07.20
(iii) Hypochlorous 

acid—generated 

from electrolyzed 

water.

(iv) Sodium 

hypochlorite

Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) MJ N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) AB N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2010 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20

Potassium lactate 205.605(b) JD N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR ( Lactic Acid, Sodium 

Lactate, and Potassium Lactate)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

07.07.20

Sodium lactate 205.605(b) JD N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR ( Lactic Acid, Sodium 

Lactate, and Potassium Lactate)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

07.07.20
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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Notes 

Tuesday, August 4, 2020 12:00 pm ET

Present: Steve Ela (SE) - Vice Chair; Scott Rice (SR); Kim Huseman (KH); Mindee Jeffery (MJ); Jerry D’Amore (JD); 

A-dae Briones (ARB)

Absent: Asa Bradman (AB), Chair

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC); Devon Pattillo (DP)

Agenda

• July 21 notes 

• Fish oil annotation (AB). 

• 2022 Sunsets: Inulin-oligofructose enriched (IOE) (JD) - discuss review/vote

• 2022 Sunsets: Kelp (ARB) - discuss review/vote

• 2022 Sunsets: Orange shellac-unbleached (KH) - discuss review/vote

• 2022 Sunsets: Whey protein concentrate (ARB) - discuss review/vote

• Whey protein concentrate (removal from 205.606) - discuss petition

• Ion exchange filtration proposal (SE/SR) - discuss proposal/vote

• Additional items 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• July 21 notes were accepted as written.

• Fish oil annotation (AB). The Handling Subcommittee continues to work on the proposal and will have a 

document for the Spring 2021 meeting. A member asked how similar this project is to the liquid fish 

products in Crops.

• 2022 Sunsets: Inulin-oligofructose enriched (IOE) (JD). The lead summarized the previous Board’s 

review and public comments. At the last sunset review, the NOSB recommended removal based on 

commercial availability, however, comments during the rulemaking phase indicated that it was still in 

use and the NOP did not remove it. Based on this current review and public comment, the lead 

recommended relisting. He indicated that although there are alternatives functionality varies and 

therefore there is not enough commercial availability. The HS proceeded to a vote. 

Motion to remove inulin-oligofructose enriched (IOE) from 205.606.

Motion by: JD

Seconded by: SR

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

• 2022 Sunsets: Kelp (ARB). The lead noted that the review is fairly straight forward, and is supportive of 

relisting at this time. She also noted that the marine materials proposal that the Materials 

Subcommittee is working on, could have future implications for this listing. The lead will circulate the 

kelp review to the HS members, and they will vote via email. NOP NOTE: Vote was completed via email 

8.10.20 and recorded below:

Motion to remove kelp from 205.606

Motion by: ARB
Seconded by: SE

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

• 2022 Sunsets: Orange shellac-unbleached (KH). The lead summarized the uses of orange shellac which 

is used as a fruit coating as well as in jellybeans. A member noted an absence of comments on this 

ingredient, and the lack of information about whether its use in organic products is widespread or 

necessary. A member suggested adding a comment about the petition to add Zein to 205.606, which is 

currently under review by the HS. 

Motion to remove orange shellac-unbleached from 205.606.

Motion by: KH

Seconded by: JD

Yes: 3 No: 3 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0 

• 2022 Sunsets: Whey protein concentrate (SE/ARB). The NOSB Chair summarized the substance and the 

previous NOSB recommendation to remove it from the National List. During the rulemaking process the 

NOP received comments that objected to its removal, and it was not removed from the List. The 

Handling Subcommittee also received a petition to remove Whey Protein Concentrate and will discuss 

the petition as part of the sunset review at the Fall meeting. 

Motion to remove whey protein concentrate

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: JD

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

• Whey protein concentrate (removal from 205.606) (SE). The Handling Subcommittee will present a 

discussion document at the Fall 2020 meeting to solicit comments on the petition to remove whey 

protein concentrate from 205.606. The lead will send the draft document to the HS members via email 

and the HS will vote via email. NOP NOTE: Vote was completed via email 8.11.20 and recorded below:

Motion to accept the discussion document on whey protein concentrate

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: SR

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

• Ion exchange filtration proposal (SE/SR). The NOP tasked the HS with this work agenda item to provide 

a recommendation clarifying varying interpretations about resins/membranes and recharge materials, 

and which ones have to be on the NL. The lead summarized the proposal, and members discussed the 

history of the topic and the basis for the recommendation. The TR was found sufficient, and the HS 

voted on the proposal. The Subcommittee is seeking feedback from the public for the Fall meeting.

Motion to accept the proposal on ion exchange filtration.

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: SR

Yes: 6 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0 
• Additional items. None

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

July 21, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Carnauba wax (KH) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Colors (18) (SE) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Glycerin (JD) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Turkish bay leaves (SR) - discuss review/vote

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) (AB/KH) - discuss petition discussion doc/vote

August 4, 2020 (Asa out)

Fish oil annotation (AB) - Discuss proposal/vote

2022 Sunsets: Inulin-oligofructose enriched (IOE) (JD) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Kelp (ARB) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Orange shellac-unbleached (KH) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Whey protein concentrate (ARB) - discuss review/vote

Whey protein concentrate (removal from 205.606) - discuss petition

Ion exchange filtration proposal (SE/SR) - discuss proposal/vote

August 18, 2020

September 1, 2020

September 15, 2020

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 17, 2020

December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020

Work Agenda

 Petitioned Substances

Substance National

List Contact DocType Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Low acyl gellan gum 205.605 SR/JD Proposal Petition sent to HS 9.17.19. 

Sufficiency due 11.15.19. HS sent 

additional questions to 

petitioner 1.6.19. Response sent 

to HS 3.5.20. Petition found 

sufficient 3.17.20. 

 05.19.20

06.02.20

Fall 2020
Other Projects

Whey protein 

concentrate

(removal from 

205.606)

205.606 SE/AB/ARB Proposal Petition sent to HS 12.23.19. 

Sufficiency due 2.29.20. HS sent 

additional questions to 

petitioner 02.04.20. Questions 

revised and resent 3.13.20. 

Response returned 3.23.20. 

Sufficiency due ASAP. HS found 

petition sufficient 07.07.20

4.7.20

07.07.20

08.04.20

Fall 2020

Cetylpyridinium 

chloride (CPC)

205.605 AB/KH Proposal Petition sent to HS 01.13.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.13.20. HS 

sent additional questions to 

petitioner 03.17.20. Petitioners 

responses sent to HS 5.4.20. 

Petition found sufficient 

05.19.20. The HS requested TR 

06.02.20. Expected back in late 

Nov.

5.19.20

06.02.20

07.21.20

Spr 2021

Phosphoric acid -

amend annotation

205.605(b) AB/MJ Proposal Petition sent to HS 01.28.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.28.20. HS

sent additional questions to 

petitioner 03.17.20. Response 

sent to HS 4.6.20. HS sent

additional questions to 

petitioner 5.6.20.

05.05.20 Spr 2021

Zein 205.606 MJ Proposal Petition sent to HS 03.20.20. 

Sufficiency due 05.19.20. HS sent

additional questions to the 

petitioner 06.02.20. Response 

sent to HS 06.16.20. HS found 

petition sufficient 07.07.20 and 

requested a TR. 

05.19.20

07.07.20

07.21.20

TBD

Substance Contact Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Fish oil annotation

proposal

AB Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

TBD Spr 2021

L-Malic acid 

reclassification

SR Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

TBD Spr 2021

Ion exchange 

filtration proposal

SE/SR NOP memo sent to NOSB 8.27.19. TR requested 9.3.19. 

TR due in ~ mid-January 2020. TR sent to HS 03.11.20. TR 

suff due 05.10.20. HS sent additional questions to TR 

contractor 6/9/2020. Response to questions sent to HS 

07.24.20. TR was found sufficient 08.04.20.

5.19.20

08.04.20

Fall 2020

Research Priorities ALL RPs due to MS July 2020. 07.07.20 Fall 2020
*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote

2022 Sunsets - TR Requests: July 2019, Summary: Spr 2020, Review: Fall 2020

Packaging 

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 1.12.14. 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: 2.21.17. New TR in 

development. Expected July 2017. TR received 7.10.17. 

Response due 09.8.17. TR found sufficient 8.1.17. ON 

HOLD. 

TBD Discussion 

doc

On hold

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

? 2011 NOSB recommendation DHA

2011 NOSB recommendation ARA

Pending NOP Approval. Approved for addition to the 

work agenda 1.12.16. ON HOLD pending NOP action.

TBD TBD

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Kaolin 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

1995 TAP (Kaolin & Bentonite)

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 Summary: 

Spr 2020 

Review: 

Fall 2020

Sodium 

bicarbonate

205.605(a) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20

Waxes—

nonsynthetic 

(Wood resin)

205.605(a) KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Ammonium 

bicarbonate

205.605(b) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Ammonium 

carbonate

205.605(b) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20

Calcium 

phosphates 

(monobasic, 

dibasic, and 

tribasic)

205.605(b) JD N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2016 TR for Phosphates

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Ozone 205.605(b) SR N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 .

Sodium hydroxide 205.605(b) MJ Y Sunset date 3/15/2022

TAP: 1995

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

TR sent to HS 02.6.20. TR 

Sufficiency due 04.6.20. HS 

07.07.20 “
sent additional questions

3.17.20. Response due back 

5.20.20. Revised TR sent to HS 

05.20.20. TR sufficiency due 

ASAP. TR found sufficient 

06.02.20.

Carnauba wax 205.606 KHN Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2014 TR 2015/Fall 

- Rec to Renew

2015/Fall - Rec to Reclassify

07.21.20“

Colors (18)

Beet juice extract 

color; 

Beta-carotene 

extract color;

Black currant juice 

color; 

Black/purple carrot 

juice color;

Blueberry juice 

color;

Carrot juice color;

Cherry juice color;

Chokeberry, aronia 

juice color;

Elderberry juice 

color;

Grape juice color;

Grape skin extract 

color;

Paprika color;

Pumpkin juice 

color;

Purple sweet 

potato juice color;

Red cabbage 

extract color;

Red radish extract 

color;

Saffron extract 

color;

Turmeric extract 

color

205.606 SE/JDN Sunset date: 

Beta carotene 5/29/2023; 

All others 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.21.20

Glycerin (CAS # 56-

81-5)

205.606 JDN Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2013 TR

07.21.20
Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (IOE) (CAS 

# 9005-80-5)

205.606 JD N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

08.04.20 “

Kelp 205.606 ARB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

08.04.20 “

Orange shellacunbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

08.04.20 “

Cornstarch (native) 205.606 AB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

Sweet potato 

starch

205.606 AB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20

Turkish bay leaves 205.606 SR N Sunset date 6/27/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

07.21.20 “

Whey protein 

concentrate

205.606 SE/AB/ARB N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

08.04.20 “

Fall 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 21, 2020

NOSB Request for TRs for 2023 sunset materials Jul 23, 2020

NOP - Draft Fall 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 1, 2020

NOSB - Fall 2020 proposals due to NOP Aug 13, 2020

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 2, 2020

Public comment closes Oct 1, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 9, 2020

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Sep 15, 2020

Public comment webinars Oct 20 & 22, 2020

Fall 2020 NOSB meeting - Cedar Rapids, IA Oct 28 - 30, 2020
2023 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2020), Summary (Spr 2021), Review (Fall 2021)

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 Summary: 

Spr 2021

Review: 

Fall 2021

Animal enzymes 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR Enzymes

2015 TR Enzymes

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20

Calcium sulfate—

mined

205.605(a) JD N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2001 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Carrageenan 205.605(a) MJ/AB N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Glucono deltalactone205.605(a) ARB N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) SE N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Cellulose (CAS 

#9004-34-6) 

205.605(b) SE N Sunset date: 11/3/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Chlorine materials

(i) Calcium 

hypochlorite.

(ii) Chlorine dioxide.

(iii) Hypochlorous 

acid—generated 

from electrolyzed 

water.

(iv) Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) TBD N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR Hypochlorous Acid

2016/Spr Rec to ADD

07.07.20

Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) MJ N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) AB N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2010 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20

Potassium lactate 205.605(b) JD N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR ( Lactic Acid, Sodium 

Lactate, and Potassium Lactate)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

07.07.20
Sodium lactate 205.605(b) JD

N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR ( Lactic Acid, Sodium 

Lactate, and Potassium Lactate)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

07.07.20
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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Notes 

Tuesday, July 21, 2020 12:00 pm ET

Present: Asa Bradman (AB), Chair; Steve Ela (SE) - Vice Chair; Scott Rice (SR); Kim Huseman (KH); Mindee Jeffery 

(MJ); Jerry D’Amore (JD)

Absent: A-dae Briones (ARB)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC)

Agenda

• July 7 notes 

• 2022 Sunsets: Carnauba wax (KH) - discuss review/vote

• 2022 Sunsets: Colors (18) (SE) - discuss review/vote

• 2022 Sunsets: Glycerin (JD) - discuss review/vote

• 2022 Sunsets: Turkish bay leaves (SR) - discuss review/vote

• Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) (AB/KH) - discuss petition discussion doc/vote

• Fish oil annotation (AB) - Discuss proposal 

• Zein (MJ) - discuss questions for TR

• Additional items 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• July 7 notes accepted as written.

• 2022 Sunsets: Carnauba wax (KH). The lead summarized the review and Spring 2020 public comments. 

Comments were mixed - some suggested removal because of the availability of organic carnauba, and 

others suggested the organic form does not provide the same result when used as a processing aid. The 

group discussed the use of volatiles in the production of carnauba wax and will add some questions to 

the review. Members also discussed labeling, clarifying that if carnauba is an ingredient it would be 

listed on the label, and if it is used on a fresh product such as apples, it would not. 

Motion to remove carnauba wax at §205.606 

Motion by: KH

Seconded by: SR

Yes: 4 No: 2 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0 

• 2022 Sunsets: Colors (18) (SE/JD). The lead summarized the previous sunset review (2015) and noted 

that the Board chose to relist all colors. During the Spring 2020 review the HS asked stakeholders to 

comment on individual colors, but received little feedback. The co-leads reached out to those that did 

comment and received confirmation from some that organic supply is plentiful, but also received 

contradictory information from others. Members discussed sources and varieties and noted that some

colors are made from specific varieties that may not have an adequate organic supply. The HS voted on 

each of the 18 colors. 

Motion to remove beet juice extract from §205.606.

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: MJ

Yes: 2 No: 4 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0
Motion to remove beta carotene extract from §205.606. 

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: AB

Yes: 2 No: 4 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0

Motion to remove black currant juice color from §205.606.

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: MJ

Yes: 3 No: 3 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0

Motion to remove black/purple carrot juice color from §205.606.

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: AB

Yes: 2 No: 4 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0

Motion to remove blueberry juice color from §205.606.

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: MJ

Yes: 4 No: 2 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0

Motion to remove carrot juice color from §205.606.

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: SR

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

Motion to remove cherry juice color from §205.606.

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: KH

Yes: 3 No: 3 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0

Motion to remove chokecherry – aronia juice color from §205.606.

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: MJ

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

Motion to remove elderberry juice color from §205.606.

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: AB

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

Motion to remove grape juice color from §205.606.

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: AB

Yes: 3 No: 3 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0

Motion to remove grape skin extract color from §205.606.

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: SR

Yes: 3 No: 3 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0
Motion to remove paprika color from §205.606.

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: KH

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

Motion to remove pumpkin juice color from §205.606.

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: KH

Yes: 3 No: 3 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0

Motion to remove purple potato juice extract from §205.606.

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: AB

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

Motion to remove red cabbage extract color from §205.606.

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: MJ

Yes: 3 No: 3 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0

Motion to remove red radish extract color from §205.606.

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: KH

Yes: 2 No: 4 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0

Motion to remove saffron extract color from §205.606.

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: AB

Yes: 2 No: 4 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0

Motion to remove turmeric extract from §205.606.

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: KH

Yes: 4 No: 2 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0

• 2022 Sunsets: Glycerin (JD). The lead summarized comments about the use of glycerin and the 

availability of organic supply, noting that comments were mixed. The Subcommittee vote was split.

Motion to remove glycerin at §205.606

Motion by: JD

Seconded by: KH

Yes: 2 No: 3 Abstain: 1 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0 

• 2022 Sunsets: Turkish bay leaves (SR). The lead summarized the current review and conveyed the 

history of the previous review to the Subcommittee members. The 2015 NOSB voted to remove Turkish 

bay leaves during the last sunset, but based on comments from a manufacturer during rule making, the 

NOP did not remove it. Based on the Subcommittee review and public comments, organic forms are 

readily available. 
Motion to remove Turkish bay leaves at §205.606

Motion by: SR

Seconded by: SE

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

• Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) (AB/KH). The HS will defer the review of CPC to the Spring 2021 meeting 

until the TR has been completed. 

• Fish oil (AB). Deferred to August 4 call.

• Zein (MJ). Members were asked to provide feedback to the lead by Friday, July 24.

• Additional items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

July 7, 2020

Determine 2023 sunset TR needs (ALL)

Whey protein concentrate (removal) (ARB) - Petition sufficiency due ASAP 

Zein (MJ) - Petition sufficiency due ASAP 

Research Priorities (ALL) - discuss/send to MS

2022 Sunsets: Ammonium bicarbonate (SE/MJ) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (SE/MJ) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Calcium phosphates (monobasic, dibasic, and tribasic) (JD) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Sodium hydroxide (MJ) - discuss review/vote

July 21, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Carnauba wax (KH) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Colors (18) (SE) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Glycerin (JD) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Turkish bay leaves (SR) - discuss review/vote

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) (AB/KH) - discuss petition discussion doc/vote

August 4, 2020 (Asa out)

Fish oil annotation (AB) - Discuss proposal/vote

2022 Sunsets: Inulin-oligofructose enriched (IOE) (JD) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Kelp (ARB) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Orange shellac-unbleached (KH) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Whey protein concentrate (ARB) - discuss review/vote

Whey protein concentrate (removal from 205.606) - discuss petition

Ion exchange filtration proposal (SE/SR) - discuss proposal/vote

August 18, 2020

September 1, 2020

September 15, 2020

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 17, 2020

December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020

Work Agenda
 Petitioned Substances

Other Projects

Substance National

List Contact DocType Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Low acyl gellan gum 205.605 SR/JD Proposal Petition sent to HS 9.17.19. 

Sufficiency due 11.15.19. HS sent 

additional questions to 

petitioner 1.6.19. Response sent 

to HS 3.5.20. Petition found 

sufficient 3.17.20. 

 05.19.20

06.02.20

Fall 2020

Whey protein 

concentrate

(removal from 

205.606)

205.606 SE/AB/ARB Proposal Petition sent to HS 12.23.19. 

Sufficiency due 2.29.20. HS sent 

additional questions to 

petitioner 02.04.20. Questions 

revised and resent 3.13.20. 

Response returned 3.23.20. 

Sufficiency due ASAP. HS found 

petition sufficient 07.07.20

4.7.20

07.07.20

08.04.20

Spr 

2021

Cetylpyridinium 

chloride (CPC)

205.605 AB/KH Proposal Petition sent to HS 01.13.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.13.20. HS 

sent additional questions to 

petitioner 03.17.20. Petitioners 

responses sent to HS 5.4.20. 

Petition found sufficient 

05.19.20. The HS requested TR 

06.02.20. Expected back in late 

Nov.

5.19.20

06.02.20

07.21.20

Spr 

2021

Phosphoric acid -

amend annotation

205.605(b) AB/MJ Proposal Petition sent to HS 01.28.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.28.20. HS

sent additional questions to 

petitioner 03.17.20. Response 

sent to HS 4.6.20. HS sent

additional questions to 

petitioner 5.6.20.

05.05.20 Spr 

2021

Zein 205.606 MJ Proposal Petition sent to HS 03.20.20. 

Sufficiency due 05.19.20. HS sent

additional questions to the 

petitioner 06.02.20. Response 

sent to HS 06.16.20. HS found 

petition sufficient 07.07.20 and 

requested a TR. 

05.19.20

07.07.20

07.21.20

TBD

Substance Contact Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Fish oil annotation

proposal

AB Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

08.04.20 Fall 2020
*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote

2022 Sunsets - TR Requests: July 2019, Summary: Spr 2020, Review: Fall 2020

L-Malic acid 

reclassification

SR Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

TBD Spr 2021

Ion exchange 

filtration proposal

SE/SR NOP memo sent to NOSB 8.27.19. TR requested 9.3.19. 

TR due in ~ mid-January 2020. TR sent to HS 03.11.20. TR 

suff due 05.10.20. HS sent additional questions to TR 

contractor 6/9/2020.

5.19.20

08.04.20

Fall 2020

Research Priorities ALL RPs due to MS July 2020. 07.07.20 Fall 2020

Packaging 

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 1.12.14. 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: 2.21.17. New TR in 

development. Expected July 2017. TR received 7.10.17. 

Response due 09.8.17. TR found sufficient 8.1.17. ON 

HOLD. 

TBD Discussion 

doc

On hold

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

? 2011 NOSB recommendation DHA

2011 NOSB recommendation ARA

Pending NOP Approval. Approved for addition to the 

work agenda 1.12.16. ON HOLD pending NOP action.

TBD TBD

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Kaolin 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

1995 TAP (Kaolin & Bentonite)

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 Summary: 

Spr 2020 

Review: 

Fall 2020

Sodium 

bicarbonate

205.605(a) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20

Waxes—

nonsynthetic 

(Wood resin)

205.605(a) KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Ammonium 

bicarbonate

205.605(b) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Ammonium 

carbonate

205.605(b) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20

Calcium 

phosphates 

(monobasic, 

205.605(b) JD N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2016 TR for Phosphates

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “
dibasic, and 

tribasic)

Ozone 205.605(b) SR N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 .

Sodium hydroxide 205.605(b) MJ Y Sunset date 3/15/2022

TAP: 1995

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

TR sent to HS 02.6.20. TR 

Sufficiency due 04.6.20. HS 

sent additional questions

3.17.20. Response due back 

5.20.20. Revised TR sent to HS 

05.20.20. TR sufficiency due 

ASAP. TR found sufficient 

06.02.20.

07.07.20 “

Carnauba wax 205.606 KH N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2015/Fall - Rec to Reclassify

07.21.20 “

Colors (18)

Beet juice extract 

color; 

Beta-carotene 

extract color;

Black currant juice 

color; 

Black/purple carrot 

juice color;

Blueberry juice 

color;

Carrot juice color;

Cherry juice color;

Chokeberry, aronia 

juice color;

Elderberry juice 

color;

Grape juice color;

Grape skin extract 

color;

Paprika color;

Pumpkin juice 

color;

Purple sweet 

potato juice color;

Red cabbage 

extract color;

205.606 SE/JD N Sunset date: 

Beta carotene 5/29/2023; 

All others 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.21.20
Red radish extract 

color;

Saffron extract 

color;

Turmeric extract 

color

Glycerin (CAS # 56-

81-5)

205.606 JD N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2013 TR

07.21.20

Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (IOE) (CAS 

# 9005-80-5)

205.606 JD N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

08.04.20 “

Kelp 205.606 ARB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

08.04.20 “

Orange shellacunbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

08.04.20 “

Cornstarch (native) 205.606 AB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

Sweet potato 

starch

205.606 AB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20

Turkish bay leaves 205.606 SR N Sunset date 6/27/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

07.21.20 “

Whey protein 

concentrate

205.606 SE/AB/ARB N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

08.04.20 “

Fall 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 21, 2020

NOSB Request for TRs for 2023 sunset materials Jul 23, 2020

NOP - Draft Fall 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 1, 2020

NOSB - Fall 2020 proposals due to NOP Aug 13, 2020

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 2, 2020

Public comment closes Oct 1, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 9, 2020
2023 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2020), Summary (Spr 2021), Review (Fall 2021)

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Sep 15, 2020

Public comment webinars Oct 20 & 22, 2020

Fall 2020 NOSB meeting - Cedar Rapids, IA Oct 27-29, 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 Summary: 

Spr 2021

Review: 

Fall 2021

Animal enzymes 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR Enzymes

2015 TR Enzymes

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20

Calcium sulfate—

mined

205.605(a) JD N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2001 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Carrageenan 205.605(a) MJ/AB N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Glucono deltalactone205.605(a) ARB N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) SE N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Cellulose (CAS 

#9004-34-6) 

205.605(b) SE N Sunset date: 11/3/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Chlorine materials

(i) Calcium 

hypochlorite.

(ii) Chlorine dioxide.

(iii) Hypochlorous 

acid—generated 

from electrolyzed 

water.

(iv) Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) TBD N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR Hypochlorous Acid

2016/Spr Rec to ADD

07.07.20

Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) MJ N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “
Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) AB N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2010 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20

Potassium lactate 205.605(b) JD N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR ( Lactic Acid, Sodium 

Lactate, and Potassium Lactate)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

07.07.20

Sodium lactate 205.605(b) JD N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR ( Lactic Acid, Sodium 

Lactate, and Potassium Lactate)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

07.07.20
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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Notes 

Tuesday, July 7, 2020 1:00 pm ET

Present: Asa Bradman (AB), Chair; Scott Rice (SR); Kim Huseman (KH); Mindee Jeffery (MJ); Steve Ela (SE)

Absent: Jerry D’Amore (JD); A-dae Briones (ARB)

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

Agenda

• June 16 notes 

• 2022 Sunsets: Ammonium bicarbonate (SE/MJ) - discuss review/vote

• 2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (SE/MJ) - discuss review/vote

• 2022 Sunsets: Calcium phosphates (monobasic, dibasic, and tribasic) (JD) - discuss review/vote

• 2022 Sunsets: Sodium hydroxide (MJ) - discuss review/vote

• Whey protein concentrate (removal) (ARB) - Petition sufficiency due ASAP 

• Zein (MJ) - Petition sufficiency due ASAP 

• Research Priorities (ALL) - discuss/send to MS

• Determine 2023 sunset TR needs (ALL)

• Additional items 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• June 16 notes were accepted as written

• 2022 Sunsets: Ammonium bicarbonate (SE/MJ). The lead summarized the Spring comments, which 

were somewhat mixed. The group discussed uses, noting that ammonium bicarbonate is a relatively 

benign substance and is used in baked goods. 

Motion to remove ammonium bicarbonate at §205.605 

Motion by: MJ

Seconded by: SR

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

• 2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (SE/MJ). The comments for ammonium carbonate were similar 

to those of ammonium bicarbonate. The comments were mixed, but there are not compelling reasons 

based on OFPA criteria for removal. 

Motion to remove ammonium carbonate at §205.605 

Motion by: MJ

Seconded by: SE

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

• 2022 Sunsets: Sodium hydroxide (MJ). The lead summarized the Spring comments, which included a 

suggestion to add an annotation. Most commenters indicated that sodium hydroxide is widely used and 

supported relisting. The lead will clarify some language in the draft review and submit it to the NOP for 

the fall meeting. 
Motion to remove sodium hydroxide at §205.605 

Motion by: KH

Seconded by: MJ

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

• 2022 Sunsets: Calcium phosphates (monobasic, dibasic, and tribasic) (JD). Calcium phosphates are used 

for leavening. There was no opposition to re-listing, but the NOSB acknowledged general comments 

about phosphates, and accumulative effects. 

Motion to remove calcium phosphates (monobasic, dibasic, and tribasic) at §205.605 

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: AB

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

• Whey protein concentrate (removal) (WPC) (ARB). The group reviewed and discussed the petitioner’s 

responses to the Subcommittees questions, and found the petition sufficient. The NOSB also has a 

concurrent sunset review for whey protein concentrate. The HS will complete the sunset review, and 

will put forth a discussion document on the WPC petition at the Fall meeting.

• Zein (MJ). The lead summarized the petitioner’s responses to the Subcommittee questions regarding 

the extraction process. The HS was looking for more specificity. The response also included information 

about the use of solvents in the extraction process and application of zein. Members discussed putting 

forth a discussion document at the Fall meeting to glean more input from the community. A member

asked about the need for zein as there seem to be alternatives, to which another member responded 

that zein is vegan. The HS found the petition sufficient, and will request a TR. 

• Research Priorities (ALL). There were few to no changes to the Spring document, and the HS will submit 

the same list for the Fall research priorities proposal.

• Determine 2023 sunset TR needs (ALL). See table below. The HS did not request any TRs for the 2023 

sunset substances. 

• Additional items. None

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

June 16, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Sweet potato starch (AB) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Kaolin (KH) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Sodium bicarbonate (SE/MJ) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Waxes - nonsynthetic (Wood resin) (KH) - discuss review/vote

Determine 2023 sunset TR needs (ALL)

July 7, 2020

Determine 2023 sunset TR needs (ALL)

Whey protein concentrate (removal) (ARB) - Petition sufficiency due ASAP 

Zein (MJ) - Petition sufficiency due ASAP 

Research Priorities (ALL) - discuss/send to MS

2022 Sunsets: Ammonium bicarbonate (SE/MJ) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (SE/MJ) - discuss review/vote
2022 Sunsets: Calcium phosphates (monobasic, dibasic, and tribasic) (JD) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Sodium hydroxide (MJ) - discuss review/vote

July 21, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Carnauba wax (KH) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Colors (18) (SE) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Glycerin (JD) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Turkish bay leaves (SR) - discuss review/vote

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) (AB/KH) - discuss petition discussion doc/vote

Fish oil annotation (AB) - Discuss proposal/vote

August 4, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Inulin-oligofructose enriched (IOE) (JD) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Kelp (ARB) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Orange shellac-unbleached (KH) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Whey protein concentrate (ARB) - discuss review/vote

Ion exchange filtration proposal (SE/SR) - discuss proposal/vote

August 18, 2020

September 1, 2020

September 15, 2020

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 17, 2020

December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020

Work Agenda

 Petitioned Substances

Substance National

List Contact DocType Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Low acyl gellan gum 205.605 SR/JD Proposal Petition sent to HS 9.17.19. 

Sufficiency due 11.15.19. HS sent 

additional questions to 

petitioner 1.6.19. Response sent 

to HS 3.5.20. Petition found 

sufficient 3.17.20. 

 5.19.20

06.02.20

Fall 2020

Whey protein 

concentrate

(removal from 

205.606)

205.606 SE/AB/ARB Proposal Petition sent to HS 12.23.19. 

Sufficiency due 2.29.20. HS sent 

additional questions to 

petitioner 02.04.20. Questions 

revised and resent 3.13.20. 

Response returned 3.23.20. 

Sufficiency due ASAP. Petition 

was found sufficient 07.07.20

4.7.20

07.07.20

08.04.20

Spring 

2021
Other Projects

Cetylpyridinium 

chloride (CPC)

205.605 AB/KH Petition 

disc doc

Petition sent to HS 01.13.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.13.20. HS 

sent additional questions to 

petitioner 03.17.20. Petitioners 

responses sent to HS 5.4.20. 

Petition found sufficient 

05.19.20. The HS requested TR 

06.02.20. Expected back in late 

Nov.

5.19.20

06.02.20

07.21.20

Fall 

2020

Phosphoric acid -

amend annotation

205.605(b) AB/MJ Proposal Petition sent to HS 01.28.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.28.20. HS

sent additional questions to 

petitioner 03.17.20. Response 

sent to HS 4.6.20. HS sent

additional questions to 

petitioner 5.6.20.

05.05.20 Spr 

2021

Zein 205.606 MJ Petition sent to HS 03.20.20. 

Sufficiency due 05.19.20. HS sent

additional questions to the 

petitioner 06.02.20. Response 

sent to HS 06.16.20. HS found 

petition sufficient 07.07.20 and 

requested a TR. 

05.19.20

07.07.20

TBD

Substance Contact Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Fish oil annotation

Proposal

AB Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

07.21.20 Fall 2020

L-Malic acid 

reclassification

SR Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

TBD Spr 2021

Ion exchange 

filtration proposal

SE/SR NOP memo sent to NOSB 8.27.19. TR requested 9.3.19. 

TR due in ~ mid-January 2020. Discussion doc Spr 2020.

TR sent to HS 03.11.20. TR suff due 05.10.20. HS sent 

additional questions to TR contractor 6/9/2020.

5.19.20

08.04.20

Fall 2020

Research Priorities ALL RPs due to MS July 2020. 07.07.20 Fall 2020

Packaging 

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 1.12.14. 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: 2.21.17. New TR in 

development. Expected July 2017. TR received 7.10.17. 

Response due 09.8.17. TR found sufficient 8.1.17. ON 

HOLD. 

TBD Discussion 

doc

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

2022 Sunsets - TR Requests: July 2019, Summary: Spr 2020, Review: Fall 2020

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

? 2011 NOSB recommendation DHA

2011 NOSB recommendation ARA

Pending NOP Approval. Approved for addition to the 

work agenda 1.12.16. ON HOLD pending NOP action.

TBD TBD

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Kaolin 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

1995 TAP (Kaolin & Bentonite)

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 Summary: 

Spr 2020 

Review: 

Fall 2020

Sodium 

bicarbonate

205.605(a) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20

Waxes—

nonsynthetic 

(Wood resin)

205.605(a) KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Ammonium 

bicarbonate

205.605(b) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Ammonium 

carbonate

205.605(b) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20

Calcium 

phosphates 

(monobasic, 

dibasic, and 

tribasic)

205.605(b) JD N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2016 TR for Phosphates

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Ozone 205.605(b) SR N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 .

Sodium hydroxide 205.605(b) MJ Y Sunset date 3/15/2022

TAP: 1995

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

TR sent to HS 02.6.20. TR 

Sufficiency due 04.6.20. HS 

sent additional questions

3.17.20. Response due back 

5.20.20. Revised TR sent to HS 

05.20.20. TR sufficiency due 

ASAP. TR found sufficient 

06.02.20.

07.07.20 “

Carnauba wax 205.606 KH N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

07.21.20 “
2014 TR 2015/Fall 

- Rec to Renew

2015/Fall - Rec to Reclassify

Colors (18)

Beet juice extract 

color; 

Beta-carotene 

extract color;

Black currant juice 

color; 

Black/purple carrot 

juice color;

Blueberry juice 

color;

Carrot juice color;

Cherry juice color;

Chokeberry, aronia 

juice color;

Elderberry juice 

color;

Grape juice color;

Grape skin extract 

color;

Paprika color;

Pumpkin juice 

color;

Purple sweet 

potato juice color;

Red cabbage 

extract color;

Red radish extract 

color;

Saffron extract 

color;

Turmeric extract 

color

205.606 SEN Sunset date: 

Beta carotene 5/29/2023; 

All others 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.21.20

Glycerin (CAS # 56-

81-5)

205.606 JDN Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2013 TR

07.21.20

Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (IOE) (CAS 

# 9005-80-5)

205.606 JDN Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

08.04.20“

Kelp 205.606 ARBN Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

08.04.20“
2023 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2020), Summary (Spr 2021), Review (Fall 2021)

Orange shellacunbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

08.04.20 “

Cornstarch (native) 205.606 AB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

Sweet potato 

starch

205.606 AB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20

Turkish bay leaves 205.606 SR N Sunset date 6/27/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

07.21.20 “

Whey protein 

concentrate

205.606 SE/AB/ARB N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

08.04.20 “

Fall 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 21, 2020

NOSB Request for TRs for 2023 sunset materials Jul 23, 2020

NOP - Draft Fall 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 1, 2020

NOSB - Fall 2020 proposals due to NOP Aug 13, 2020

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 2, 2020

Public comment closes Oct 1, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 9, 2020

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Sep 15, 2020

Public comment webinars Oct 20 & 22, 2020

Fall 2020 NOSB meeting - Cedar Rapids, IA Oct 27-29, 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 Summary: 

Spr 2021

Review: 

Fall 2021
Animal enzymes 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR Enzymes

2015 TR Enzymes

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20

Calcium sulfate—

mined

205.605(a) JD N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2001 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Carrageenan 205.605(a) MJ/AB N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Glucono deltalactone205.605(a) ARB N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) SE N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Cellulose (CAS 

#9004-34-6) 

205.605(b) SE N Sunset date: 11/3/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Chlorine materials

(i) Calcium 

hypochlorite.

(ii) Chlorine dioxide.

(iii) Hypochlorous 

acid—generated 

from electrolyzed 

water.

(iv) Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) TBD N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR Hypochlorous Acid

2016/Spr Rec to ADD

07.07.20

Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) MJ N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) AB N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2010 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20

Potassium lactate 205.605(b) JD N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR ( Lactic Acid, Sodium 

Lactate, and Potassium Lactate)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

07.07.20

Sodium lactate 205.605(b) JD N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR ( Lactic Acid, Sodium 

Lactate, and Potassium Lactate)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

07.07.20
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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Notes 

Tuesday, June 16, 2020 1:00 pm ET

Present: Asa Bradman (AB), Chair; Scott Rice (SR); Kim Huseman (KH); Mindee Jeffery (MJ); Steve Ela (SE); Jerry 

D’Amore (JD); A-dae Briones (ARB)

Absent: None

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

Agenda

• June 2 notes 

• 2022 Sunsets: Sweet potato starch (AB) - discuss review/vote

• 2022 Sunsets: Kaolin (KH) - discuss review/vote

• 2022 Sunsets: Sodium bicarbonate (SE/MJ) - discuss review/vote

• 2022 Sunsets: Waxes - nonsynthetic (Wood rosin) (KH) - discuss review/vote

• Determine 2023 sunset TR needs (ALL)

• Additional items 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• June 2 notes were accepted as written.

• 2022 Sunsets: Sweet potato starch (AB). The lead summarized the draft review and sought feedback 

from the Subcommittee members about organic supply, noting the similarity with cornstarch. The group 

previously discussed the concept of an annotation limiting cornstarch on to specific forms that are not 

available organically, and would like to solicit feedback about sweet potato starch as well. . Members 

had a broader discussion of section 205.606, noting that items listed here are sometimes culturally 

specific items and often those stakeholders are not necessarily participating in NOSB meetings, 

therefore it can be difficult to gather data on supply and market availability/economics. The HS is 

seeking more extensive feedback and information about both cornstarch and sweet potato starch, and 

moved to a vote. 

Motion to remove sweet potato starch at §205.606

Motion by: AB

Seconded by: JD

Yes: 4 No: 3 Abstain: 0 Absent: 0 Recuse: 0 

• 2022 Sunsets: Kaolin (KH). The lead noted that there were few comments about kaolin, and the 

comments that were submitted were supportive of relisting. There was no current TR, but there was a 

TAP from 1995, and a 2002 TR for kaolin pectin, which has a different use. It was noted that kaolin is 

most likely used as a processing aid and/or ingredient in personal care products, rather than as a food 

ingredient. It is also allowed internationally. 

Motion to remove kaolin at §205.605a

Motion by: KH

Seconded by: AB

Yes: 1 No: 6 Abstain: 0 Absent: 0 Recuse: 0
• 2022 Sunsets: Sodium bicarbonate (SE/MJ). Comments submitted in the Spring were generally 

supportive of the listing of sodium bicarbonate. Certifiers pointed out two processes for manufacturing 

sodium bicarbonate (Solvay and Trona); one is considered nonsynthetic, although certifiers noted that

both may be synthetic when following the decision tree (NOP 5033-1). Members expressed support for 

reclassifying or annotating to clarify the allowed form(s). Another member suggested that they might 

consider improving the decision tree, so the outcomes are more consistent when it comes to synthetic 

vs non-synthetic determinations. The HS will add some text to this sunset review to flag it for a future 

non-sunset work agenda item. 

Motion to remove sodium bicarbonate at §205.605 

Motion by: MJ

Seconded by: AB

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

• 2022 Sunsets: Waxes - nonsynthetic (Wood rosin) (KH). The lead summarized the uses of waxes and 

asked about the reason there are two separate listings instead of one combined one, as both of the 

waxes are used to coat candy or fruit. NOP added that they were separated when carnauba wax was 

reclassified as agricultural (and it moved from 205.605 to 205.606). The lead also noted the misspelling 

of wood rosin vs. resin, which they feel should be clarified and corrected. The HS Chair emphasized the 

use of volatile solvents in some extraction processes. The group discussed the possibility of adding a 

work agenda item to annotate and limit the production method of waxes and to correct the misspelling. 

Motion to remove waxes - nonsynthetic (wood resin) at §205.605 

Motion by: KH

Seconded by: SR

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

• Determine 2023 sunset TR needs (ALL). Rescheduled for July 7

• Additional items. None

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

June 2, 2020

Assign lead for 2023 Sunset: Chlorine Materials

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) - discuss questions for TR 

Low acyl gellan gum (SR) - discuss proposal vs. discussion document

2022 Sunsets: Ozone (SR) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Cornstarch (native)(AB) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Sweet potato starch (AB) - discuss review/vote

Assign dates for review of 2022 sunsets

Assign dates for TR determination for 2023 sunsets

June 16, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Sweet potato starch (AB) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Kaolin (KH) - discuss review/vote
2022 Sunsets: Sodium bicarbonate (SE/MJ) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Waxes - nonsynthetic (Wood resin) (KH) - discuss review/vote

Determine 2023 sunset TR needs (ALL)

July 7, 2020

Determine 2023 sunset TR needs (ALL)

Whey protein concentrate (removal) (ARB) - Petition sufficiency due ASAP

Zein (MJ) - Petition sufficiency due ASAP

Research Priorities (ALL) - discuss/send to MS

2022 Sunsets: Ammonium bicarbonate (SE/MJ) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (SE/MJ) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Calcium phosphates (monobasic, dibasic, and tribasic) (JD) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Sodium hydroxide (MJ) - discuss review/vote

July 21, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Carnauba wax (KH) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Colors (18) (SE) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Glycerin (JD) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Turkish bay leaves (SR) - discuss review/vote

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) (AB/KH) - discuss petition discussion doc

Fish oil annotation (AB) - Discuss proposal/vote

August 4, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Inulin-oligofructose enriched (IOE) (JD) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Kelp (ARB) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Orange shellac-unbleached (KH) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Whey protein concentrate (ARB) - discuss review/vote

Ion exchange filtration proposal (SE/SR) - discuss proposal/vote

August 18, 2020

September 1, 2020

September 15, 2020

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 17, 2020

December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020

Work Agenda

 Petitioned Substances

Substance National

List Contact DocType Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Low acyl gellan gum 205.605 SR/JD Proposal Petition sent to HS 9.17.19. 

Sufficiency due 11.15.19. HS sent 

additional questions to petitioner 

1.6.19. Response sent to HS 3.5.20.

Petition found sufficient 3.17.20. 

 5.19.20

06.02.20

Fall 2020
Other Projects

Whey protein 

concentrate

(removal from 

205.606)

205.606 ARB Proposal Petition sent to HS 12.23.19. 

Sufficiency due 2.29.20. HS sent 

additional questions to petitioner 

02.04.20. Questions revised and 

resent 3.13.20. Response returned 

3.23.20. Sufficiency due ASAP

4.7.20

07.07.20

Spring 

2021

Cetylpyridinium 

chloride (CPC)

205.605 AB/KH Petition 

disc doc

Petition sent to HS 01.13.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.13.20. HS sent 

additional questions to petitioner 

03.17.20. Petitioners responses 

sent to HS 5.4.20. Petition found 

sufficient 05.19.20. The HS 

requested TR 06.02.20. Expected 

back in late Nov.

5.19.20

06.02.20

07.21.20

Fall 

2020

Phosphoric acid -

amend annotation

205.605(b) AB/MJ Proposal Petition sent to HS 01.28.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.28.20. HS sent 

additional questions to petitioner 

03.17.20. Response sent to HS 

4.6.20. HS sent additional questions

to petitioner 5.6.20.

TBD Spr 

2021

Zein 205.606 MJ Petition sent to HS 03.20.20. 

Sufficiency due 05.19.20. HS sent

additional questions to the 

petitioner 06.02.20. Response sent 

to HS 06.16.20. Sufficiency due 

ASAP

5.19.20

07.07.20

TBD

Substance Contact Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Fish oil annotation

Proposal

AB Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

07.21.20 Fall 2020

L-Malic acid 

reclassification

SR Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

TBD Spr 2021

Ion exchange 

filtration proposal

SE/SR NOP memo sent to NOSB 8.27.19. TR requested 9.3.19. 

TR due in ~ mid-January 2020. Discussion doc Spr 2020.

TR sent to HS 03.11.20. TR suff due 05.10.20. HS sent 

additional questions to TR contractor 6/9/2020.

5.19.20

08.04.20

Fall 2020

Research Priorities ALL RPs due to MS July 2020. 07.07.20 Fall 2020

Packaging 

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 1.12.14. 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: 2.21.17. New TR in 

development. Expected July 2017. TR received 7.10.17. 

TBD Discussion 

doc

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

2022 Sunsets - TR Requests: July 2019, Summary: Spr 2020, Review: Fall 2020

Response due 09.8.17. TR found sufficient 8.1.17. ON 

HOLD. 

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

? 2011 NOSB recommendation DHA

2011 NOSB recommendation ARA

Pending NOP Approval. Approved for addition to the 

work agenda 1.12.16. ON HOLD pending NOP action.

TBD TBD

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Kaolin 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

1995 TAP (Kaolin & Bentonite)

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 Summary: 

Spr 2020 

Review: 

Fall 2020

Sodium bicarbonate 205.605(a) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20

Waxes—

nonsynthetic (Wood 

resin)

205.605(a) KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Ammonium 

bicarbonate

205.605(b) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Ammonium 

carbonate

205.605(b) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20

Calcium phosphates 

(monobasic, dibasic, 

and tribasic)

205.605(b) JD N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2016 TR for Phosphates

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Ozone 205.605(b) SR N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 .

Sodium hydroxide 205.605(b) MJ Y Sunset date 3/15/2022

TAP: 1995

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

TR sent to HS 02.6.20. TR 

Sufficiency due 04.6.20. HS sent 

additional questions 3.17.20. 

Response due back 5.20.20. 

Revised TR sent to HS 05.20.20. 

TR sufficiency due ASAP. TR

found sufficient 06.02.20.

07.07.20 “

Carnauba wax 205.606 KH N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2014 TR

07.21.20 “
2015/Fall 

- Rec to Renew

2015/Fall - Rec to Reclassify

Colors (18)

Beet juice extract 

color; 

Beta-carotene 

extract color;

Black currant juice 

color; 

Black/purple carrot 

juice color;

Blueberry juice 

color;

Carrot juice color;

Cherry juice color;

Chokeberry, aronia 

juice color;

Elderberry juice 

color;

Grape juice color;

Grape skin extract 

color;

Paprika color;

Pumpkin juice color;

Purple sweet potato 

juice color;

Red cabbage extract 

color;

Red radish extract 

color;

Saffron extract 

color;

Turmeric extract 

color

205.606 SEN Sunset date: 

Beta carotene 5/29/2023; 

All others 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.21.20

Glycerin (CAS # 56-

81-5)

205.606 JDN Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2013 TR

07.21.20

Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (IOE) (CAS 

# 9005-80-5)

205.606 JDN Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

08.04.20“

Kelp 205.606 ARBN Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

08.04.20“

Orange shellac-

unbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 KHN Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

08.04.20“
2023 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2020), Summary (Spr 2021), Review (Fall 2021)

Cornstarch (native) 205.606 AB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

Sweet potato starch 205.606 AB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20

Turkish bay leaves 205.606 SR N Sunset date 6/27/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

07.21.20 “

Whey protein 

concentrate

205.606 ARB N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

08.04.20 “

Fall 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 21, 2020

NOSB Request for TRs for 2023 sunset materials Jul 23, 2020

NOP - Draft Fall 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 1, 2020

NOSB - Fall 2020 proposals due to NOP Aug 13, 2020

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 2, 2020

Public comment closes Oct 1, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 9, 2020

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Sep 15, 2020

Public comment webinars Oct 20 & 22, 2020

Fall 2020 NOSB meeting - Cedar Rapids, IA Oct 27-29, 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) KH Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 Summary: 

Spr 2021

Review: 

Fall 2021

Animal enzymes 205.605(a) KH Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR Enzymes

2015 TR Enzymes

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20
Calcium sulfate—

mined

205.605(a) JD Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2001 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Carrageenan 205.605(a) MJ/AB Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Glucono deltalactone205.605(a) ARB Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) SE Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Cellulose (CAS 

#9004-34-6) 

205.605(b) SE Sunset date: 11/3/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Chlorine materials

(i) Calcium 

hypochlorite.

(ii) Chlorine dioxide.

(iii) Hypochlorous 

acid—generated 

from electrolyzed 

water.

(iv) Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) TBD Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR Hypochlorous Acid

2016/Spr Rec to ADD

07.07.20

Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) MJ Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) AB Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2010 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20

Potassium lactate 205.605(b) JD Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR ( Lactic Acid, Sodium 

Lactate, and Potassium Lactate)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

07.07.20

Sodium lactate 205.605(b) JD Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR ( Lactic Acid, Sodium 

Lactate, and Potassium Lactate)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

07.07.20
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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Notes 

Tuesday, June 2, 2020 1:00 pm ET

Present: Asa Bradman (AB), Chair; Scott Rice (SR); Kim Huseman (KH); Mindee Jeffery (MJ); Steve Ela (SE); Jerry 

D’Amore (JD); A-dae Briones (ARB)

Absent: None

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

Agenda

• May 19 notes 

• Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) - discuss questions for TR 

• Low acyl gellan gum (SR) - discuss proposal vs. discussion document

• 2022 Sunsets: Ozone (SR) - discuss review/vote

• 2022 Sunsets: Cornstarch (native)(AB) - discuss review/vote

• 2022 Sunsets: Sweet potato starch (AB) - discuss review/vote

• Assign dates for review of 2022 sunsets (ALL)

• Assign dates for TR determination for 2023 sunsets (ALL)

• Sodium hydroxide TR (MJ)

• Additional items 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• May 19 notes were accepted as written

• Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC). The HS will seek a technical report (TR) for CPC and discussed adding a 

question about potential occupational exposures. The HS is also interested in information about efficacy 

of CPC versus other sanitizers both on and off the National List. The HS will put forth a petition 

discussion document for the fall meeting to solicit additional feedback while they are waiting for the TR

• Low acyl gellan gum (SR/JD). The review of low acyl gellan gum was developed as a proposal initially, 

and after some discussion about developing it as a discussion document instead, the HS chose to submit 

a proposal for the Fall meeting. The group discussed whether or not two listings are necessary – low acyl

vs high acyl, given that International entities do not make that distinction. The lead noted that because 

high-acyl gellan gum is listed with an annotation, the NOSB would have to approve this petition, then 

choose to change the annotation or make an amendment. 

Motion to classify low acyl gellan gum as non-agricultural, synthetic 

Motion by: SR

Seconded by: JD

Additional discussion: None

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

Motion to add low acyl gellen gum at 205.605(b)

Motion by: SR

Seconded by: JD

Additional discussion: None

Yes: 6 No: 0 Abstain: 1 Absent: 0 Recuse: 0
• 2022 Sunsets: Ozone (SR). The lead noted the comments from certifiers who indicated wide use of 

ozone as a sanitizer. Concerns from previous comments were noted and the HS proceeded to a vote.

Motion to remove ozone at 205.605 

Motion by: SR

Seconded by: AB

Additional discussion: None

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

• 2022 Sunsets: Cornstarch (native)(AB). The lead summarized the review and noted public comments 

about annotating cornstarch to limit use to more specific forms, and to ultimately encourage the 

production of organic forms. Several members noted the wide availability of organic forms currently, 

and the group discussed the opportunity to push the industry towards development and use of organic 

forms. The HS will discuss the potential of adding a work agenda project to develop an annotation. The 

Subcommittee moved to a vote on the sunset review. Members also discussed the possibility that 

stakeholders could petition for use of specialty corn starch if the Subcommittee were to vote to remove 

the general listing. 

Motion to remove cornstarch (native) at 205.606 

Motion by: AB

Seconded by: SR

Additional discussion: None

Yes: 4 No: 3 Abstain: 0 Absent: 0 Recuse: 0

• 2022 Sunsets: Sweet potato starch (AB). Discussion deferred to next call.

• Assign dates for review of 2022 sunsets. HS Chair will assign discussion dates via email. (ABS note June 

5, 2020: See table below for assigned dates)

• Assign dates for TR determination for 2023 sunsets. See table below for schedule. 

• Sodium hydroxide TR (MJ). TR was found sufficient and that information was relayed to NOP

• Additional items. None

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

May 19, 2020

Zein (MJ) - Petition sufficiency

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) - Petition sufficiency 

Ion exchange (SE/SR) - Determine need for TR

Low acyl gellan gum (SR) - discuss draft discussion document

June 2, 2020

Assign lead for 2023 Sunset: Chlorine Materials

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) - discuss questions for TR

Low acyl gellan gum (SR) - discuss proposal vs. discussion document

2022 Sunsets: Ozone (SR) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Cornstarch (native)(AB) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Sweet potato starch (AB) - discuss review/vote

Assign dates for review of 2022 sunsets

Assign dates for TR determination for 2023 sunsets

June 16, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Sweet potato starch (AB) - discuss review/vote
2022 Sunsets: Kaolin (KH) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Sodium bicarbonate (SE/MJ) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Waxes - nonsynthetic (Wood resin) (KH) - discuss review/vote

Determine 2023 sunset TR needs (ALL)

July 7, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Ammonium bicarbonate (SE/MJ) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (SE/MJ) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Calcium phosphates (monobasic, dibasic, and tribasic) (JD) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Sodium hydroxide (MJ) - discuss review/vote

July 21, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Carnauba wax (KH) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Colors (18) (SE) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Glycerin (JD) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Turkish bay leaves (SR) - discuss review/vote

August 4, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Inulin-oligofructose enriched (IOE) (JD) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Kelp (ARB) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Orange shellac-unbleached (KH) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Whey protein concentrate (ARB) - discuss review/vote

Whey protein concentrate (removal from 205.606) - discuss proposal

August 18, 2020

September 1, 2020

September 15, 2020

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 17, 2020

December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020

Work Agenda

 Petitioned Substances

Substance National

List Contact DocType Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Low acyl gellan gum 205.605 SR/JD Proposal Petition sent to HS 9.17.19. 

Sufficiency due 11.15.19. HS sent 

additional questions to petitioner 

1.6.19. Response sent to HS 3.5.20.

Petition found sufficient 3.17.20. 

 5.19.20

06.02.20

TBD

Whey protein 

concentrate

(removal from 

205.606)

205.606 ARB Proposal Petition sent to HS 12.23.19. 

Sufficiency due 2.29.20. HS sent 

additional questions to petitioner 

02.04.20. Questions revised and 

resent 3.13.20. Response returned 

3.23.20

4.7.20

06.16.20

Fall 

2020
Other Projects

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

Cetylpyridinium 

chloride (CPC)

205.605 AB/KH Petition 

disc doc

Petition sent to HS 01.13.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.13.20. HS sent 

additional questions to petitioner 

03.17.20. Petitioners responses 

sent to HS 5.4.20. Petition found 

sufficient 05.19.20. The HS 

requested TR 06.02.20.

5.19.20

06.02.20

Fall 

2020

Phosphoric acid -

amend annotation

205.605(b) AB/MJ Petition sent to HS 01.28.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.28.20. HS sent 

additional questions to petitioner 

03.17.20. Response send to HS 

4.6.20. HS sent additional questions

to petitioner 5.6.20.

TBD TBD

Zein 205.606 MJ Petition sent to HS 03.20.20. 

Sufficiency due 05.19.20. HS sent

additional questions to the 

petitioner 06.02.20.

5.19.20 TBD

Substance Contact Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Fish oil annotation AB Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

Fall 2020

L-Malic acid 

reclassification

SR Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

Fall 2020

Ion exchange 

filtration

SE/SR NOP memo sent to NOSB 8.27.19. TR requested 9.3.19. 

TR due in ~ mid-January 2020. Discussion doc Spr 2020.

TR sent to HS 03.11.20. TR suff due 05.10.20

5.19.20 Fall 2020

Research Priorities ALL RPs due to MS July 2020. Fall 2020

Packaging 

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 1.12.14. 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: 2.21.17. New TR in 

development. Expected July 2017. TR received 7.10.17. 

Response due 09.8.17. TR found sufficient 8.1.17. ON 

HOLD. 

TBD Discussion 

doc

On hold

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

? 2011 NOSB recommendation DHA

2011 NOSB recommendation ARA

Pending NOP Approval. Approved for addition to the 

work agenda 1.12.16. ON HOLD pending NOP action.

TBD TBD
2022 Sunsets - TR Requests: July 2019, Summary: Spr 2020, Review: Fall 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Kaolin 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 Summary: 

Spr 2020 

Review: 

Fall 2020

Sodium bicarbonate 205.605(a) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20

Waxes—

nonsynthetic (Wood 

resin)

205.605(a) KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Ammonium 

bicarbonate

205.605(b) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Ammonium 

carbonate

205.605(b) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20

Calcium phosphates 

(monobasic, dibasic, 

and tribasic)

205.605(b) JD N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2016 TR for Phosphates

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Ozone 205.605(b) SR N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 .

Sodium hydroxide 205.605(b) MJ Y Sunset date 3/15/2022

TAP: 1995

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

TR sent to HS 02.6.20. TR 

Sufficiency due 04.6.20. HS sent 

additional questions 3.17.20. 

Response due back 5.20.20. 

Revised TR sent to HS 05.20.20. 

TR sufficiency due ASAP. TR

found sufficient 06.02.20.

07.07.20 “

Carnauba wax 205.606 KH N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2015/Fall - Rec to Reclassify

07.21.20 “

Colors (18)

Beet juice extract 

color; 

Beta-carotene 

extract color;

205.606 SE N Sunset date: 

Beta carotene 5/29/2023; 

All others 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.21.20
Black currant juice 

color; 

Black/purple carrot 

juice color;

Blueberry juice 

color;

Carrot juice color;

Cherry juice color;

Chokeberry, aronia 

juice color;

Elderberry juice 

color;

Grape juice color;

Grape skin extract 

color;

Paprika color;

Pumpkin juice color;

Purple sweet potato 

juice color;

Red cabbage extract 

color;

Red radish extract 

color;

Saffron extract 

color;

Turmeric extract 

color

Glycerin (CAS # 56-

81-5)

205.606 JDN Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2013 TR

07.21.20

Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (IOE) (CAS 

# 9005-80-5)

205.606 JDN Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

08.04.20“

Kelp 205.606 ARBN Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

08.04.20“

Orange shellac-

unbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 KHN Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

08.04.20“

Cornstarch (native) 205.606 ABN Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20“

Sweet potato starch 205.606 ABN Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20
2023 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2020), Summary (Spr 2021), Review (Fall 2021)

Turkish bay leaves 205.606 SR N Sunset date 6/27/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

07.21.20 “

Whey protein 

concentrate

205.606 ARB N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

08.04.20 “

May 21, 2020

Jul 23, 2020

Aug 1, 2020

Aug 13, 2020

On or before Sep 2, 2020

Oct 2, 2020

~Oct 9, 2020

Sep 15, 2020

Oct 20 & 22, 2020

Oct 27-29, 2020

Fall 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 21, 2020

NOSB Request for TRs for 2023 sunset materials Jul 23, 2020

NOP - Draft Fall 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 1, 2020

NOSB - Fall 2020 proposals due to NOP Aug 13, 2020

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 2, 2020

Public comment closes Oct 2, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 9, 2020

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Sep 15, 2020

Public comment webinars Oct 20 & 22, 2020

Fall 2020 NOSB meeting - Cedar Rapids, IA Oct 27-29, 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) KH Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 Summary: 

Spr 2021

Review: 

Fall 2021

Animal enzymes 205.605(a) KH Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR Enzymes

2015 TR Enzymes

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20

Calcium sulfate—

mined

205.605(a) JD Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2001 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “
Carrageenan 205.605(a) MJ/AB Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Glucono deltalactone205.605(a) ARB Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Tartaric acid 205.605(a) SE Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Cellulose (CAS 

#9004-34-6) 

205.605(b) SE Sunset date: 11/3/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Chlorine materials

(i) Calcium 

hypochlorite.

(ii) Chlorine dioxide.

(iii) Hypochlorous 

acid—generated 

from electrolyzed 

water.

(iv) Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) TBD Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR Hypochlorous Acid

2016/Spr Rec to ADD

06.16.20

Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) MJ Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) AB Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2010 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20

Potassium lactate 205.605(b) JD Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR ( Lactic Acid, Sodium 

Lactate, and Potassium Lactate)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

06.16.20

Sodium lactate 205.605(b) JD Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR ( Lactic Acid, Sodium 

Lactate, and Potassium Lactate)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

06.16.20
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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Notes 

Tuesday, May 19, 2020 1:00 pm ET

Present: Asa Bradman (AB), Chair; Scott Rice (SR); Kim Huseman (KH); Mindee Jeffery (MJ); Steve Ela (SE); Jerry 

D’Amore (JD); A-dae Briones (ARB)

Absent: None

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

Agenda

• April 7 notes 

• Zein (MJ) - Petition sufficiency

• Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) - Petition sufficiency

• Ion exchange (SE/SR) - Determine need for TR

• Low acyl gellan gum (SR) - discuss draft discussion document

• Additional items 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• April 7 notes were approved as written. 

• Zein (MJ). Members discussed various aspects of the petition, including quotes from some grain entities, 

and one member offered to reach out to several grain producers to ask some follow up questions about 

corn gluten meal. The group discussed zein with regard to the decision tree for agricultural vs. nonagricultural, synthetic vs. non-synthetic, and had some lingering questions about the extraction process 

and which section of the National List would be appropriate. A member noted that zein is a vegan 

alternative to orange shellac, which is derived from insect larva. The HS will ask for clarification from 

the petitioner about the extraction process and will discuss this further on a future call.

• Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) (AB/KH). The petitioner sent responses to the Handling Subcommittee 

and the petition was found sufficient. Members discussed possible questions for a TR and may develop a 

discussion document for the Fall meeting while waiting for the TR.

• Ion exchange (SE/SR). The leads will determine TR sufficiency and relay that to the NOP.

• Low acyl gellan gum (SR). The lead summarized the uses of low acyl gellan gum, and summarized the 

reasons a previous NOSB recommended to list the high acyl form and not the low acyl form. Low acyl 

was deemed synthetic which is why it was not listed. The draft review document, which was formatted 

as a proposal, includes discussion of each of the OFPA criteria, including manufacture, classification, and 

human health impacts. Gellan gum is used in producing capsules, and is a vegan alternative to gelatin, as

well as carrageenan. The HS will discuss whether to present a proposal or discussion document at the 

Fall NOSB meeting.

• Additional items. None

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes
Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

May 19, 2020

Zein (MJ) - Petition sufficiency

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) - Petition sufficiency 

Ion exchange (SE/SR) - Determine need for TR

Low acyl gellan gum (SR) - discuss draft discussion document

June 2, 2020

Assign lead for 2023 Sunset: Chlorine Materials

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) - discuss questions for TR

Low acyl gellan gum (SR) - discuss proposal vs. discussion document

2022 Sunsets: Ozone (SR) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Cornstarch (native)(AB) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Sweet potato starch (AB) - discuss review/vote

Assign dates for review of 2022 sunsets

Assign dates for TR determination for 2023 sunsets

June 16, 2020

July 7, 2020

July 21, 2020

August 4, 2020

August 18, 2020

September 1, 2020

September 15, 2020

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 17, 2020

December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020

Work Agenda

 Petitioned Substances

Substance National

List Contact DocType Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Low acyl gellan gum 205.605 SR Proposal Petition sent to HS 9.17.19. 

Sufficiency due 11.15.19. HS sent 

additional questions to petitioner 

1.6.19. Response sent to HS 3.5.20.

Petition found sufficient 3.17.20. 

 5.19.20

06.02.20

TBD

Whey protein 

concentrate

(removal from 

205.606)

205.606 ARB Proposal Petition sent to HS 12.23.19. 

Sufficiency due 2.29.20. HS sent 

additional questions to petitioner 

02.04.20. Questions revised and 

resent 3.13.20. Response returned 

3.23.20

4.7.20 Fall 

2020
Other Projects

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

Cetylpyridinium 

chloride (CPC)

205.605 AB/KH Petition sent to HS 01.13.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.13.20. HS sent 

additional questions to petitioner 

03.17.20. Petitioners responses 

sent to HS 5.4.20. Sufficiency due

ASAP

5.19.20

06.02.20

TBD

Phosphoric acid -

amend annotation

205.605(b) AB/MJ Petition sent to HS 01.28.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.28.20. HS sent 

additional questions to petitioner 

03.17.20. Response send to HS 

4.6.20. HS sent additional questions

to petitioner 5.6.20.

TBD TBD

Zein 205.606 MJ Petition sent to HS 03.20.20. 

Sufficiency due 05.19.20. HS sent 

additional questions to the 

petitioner.

5.19.20 TBD

Substance Contact Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Fish oil annotation AB Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

Fall 2020

L-Malic acid 

reclassification

SR Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

Fall 2020

Ion exchange 

filtration

SE/SR NOP memo sent to NOSB 8.27.19. TR requested 9.3.19. 

TR due in ~ mid-January 2020. Discussion doc Spr 2020.

TR sent to HS 03.11.20. TR suff due 05.10.20

5.19.20 Fall 2020

Research Priorities ALL RPs due to MS Jan 2020. Fall 2020

Packaging 

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 1.12.14. 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: 2.21.17. New TR in 

development. Expected July 2017. TR received 7.10.17. 

Response due 09.8.17. TR found sufficient 8.1.17. ON 

HOLD. 

TBD Discussion 

doc

On hold

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

? 2011 NOSB recommendation DHA

2011 NOSB recommendation ARA

Pending NOP Approval. Approved for addition to the 

work agenda 1.12.16. ON HOLD pending NOP action.

TBD TBD

Konjac Flour All TR sent to HS 1.3.2020 for review. NA
2022 Sunsets - TR Requests: July 2019, Summary: Spr 2020, Review: Fall 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Kaolin 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

Summary: 

Spr 2020 

Review: 

Fall 2020

Sodium bicarbonate 205.605(a) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

Waxes—

nonsynthetic (Wood 

resin)

205.605(a) KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Ammonium 

bicarbonate

205.605(b) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Ammonium 

carbonate

205.605(b) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

Calcium phosphates 

(monobasic, dibasic, 

and tribasic)

205.605(b) JD N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2016 TR for Phosphates

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Ozone 205.605(b) SR N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 .

Sodium hydroxide 205.605(b) MJ Y Sunset date 3/15/2022

TAP: 1995

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

TR sent to HS 02.6.20. TR 

Sufficiency due 04.6.20. HS sent 

additional questions 3.17.20. 

Response due back 5.20.20. 

Revised TR sent to HS 05.20.20. 

TR sufficiency due ASAP

“

Carnauba wax 205.606 KH N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2015/Fall - Rec to Reclassify

“

Colors (18)

Beet juice extract 

color; 

Beta-carotene 

extract color;

Black currant juice 

color; 

205.606 SE N Sunset date: 

Beta carotene 5/29/2023; 

All others 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew
Black/purple carrot 

juice color;

Blueberry juice 

color;

Carrot juice color;

Cherry juice color;

Chokeberry, aronia 

juice color;

Elderberry juice 

color;

Grape juice color;

Grape skin extract 

color;

Paprika color;

Pumpkin juice color;

Purple sweet potato 

juice color;

Red cabbage extract 

color;

Red radish extract 

color;

Saffron extract 

color;

Turmeric extract 

color

Glycerin (CAS # 56-

81-5)

JDN Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2013 TR

Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (IOE) (CAS 

# 9005-80-5)

205.606 JDN Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

Kelp 205.606 ARBN Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Orange shellac-

unbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 KHN Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Cornstarch (native) 205.606 ABN Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20“

Sweet potato starch 205.606 ABN Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20

Turkish bay leaves 205.606 SRN Sunset date 6/27/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“
2023 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2020), Summary (Spr 2021), Review (Fall 2021)

Whey protein 

concentrate

205.606 ARB N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

Fall 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 21, 2020

NOSB Request for TRs for 2023 sunset materials Jul 23, 2020

NOP - Draft Fall 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 1, 2020

NOSB - Fall 2020 proposals due to NOP Aug 13, 2020

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 2, 2020

Public comment closes Oct 1, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 9, 2020

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Sep 15, 2020

Public comment webinars Oct 20 & 22, 2020

Fall 2020 NOSB meeting - Cedar Rapids, IA Oct 27-29, 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) KH Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

Summary: 

Spr 2021

Review: 

Fall 2021

Animal enzymes 205.605(a) KH Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR Enzymes

2015 TR Enzymes

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

Calcium sulfate—

mined

205.605(a) JD Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2001 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Carrageenan 205.605(a) MJ/AB Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Glucono deltalactone205.605(a) ARB Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

“
Tartaric acid 205.605(a) SE Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Cellulose (CAS 

#9004-34-6) 

205.605(b) SE Sunset date: 11/3/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Chlorine materials

(i) Calcium 

hypochlorite.

(ii) Chlorine dioxide.

(iii) Hypochlorous 

acid—generated 

from electrolyzed 

water.

(iv) Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) TBD Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR Hypochlorous Acid

2016/Spr Rec to ADD

Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) MJ Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) AB Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2010 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

Potassium lactate 205.605(b) JD Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR ( Lactic Acid, Sodium 

Lactate, and Potassium Lactate)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

Sodium lactate 205.605(b) JD Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR ( Lactic Acid, Sodium 

Lactate, and Potassium Lactate)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD
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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Notes 

Tuesday, April 7, 2020 1:00 pm ET

Present: Asa Bradman (AB), Chair; Scott Rice (SR); Kim Huseman (KH); Mindee Jeffery (MJ); Steve Ela (SE); Jerry 

D’Amore (JD); A-dae Briones (ARB)

Absent: None

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

Agenda

• March 17 notes

• Phosphoric acid petition (AB/MJ) - Petitioner Response

• New petition: Zein to section 205.606

• Low acyl gellan gum: set future date for discussion (SR)

• Review ion exchange comments

• Assign leads/determine TR requests for 2023 sunsets

• Discuss public comment

• Up to date on - awaiting responses for:

o Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC)

o Sodium Hydroxide TR

o Konjac TR

o Red pepper?

• Whey Protein Concentrate response - discuss 

• Confirm Spring sunsets for new members

• Additional items 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• March 17 notes were approved as written.

• Phosphoric acid petition (AB/MJ). The petitioner sent a response to the Handling Subcommittee’s 

questions, and the HS will send a follow request to the petitioner for additional clarification. The HS 

discussed whether to bring a discussion document or proposal to the Fall 2020 meeting. 

• New petition: Zein to section 205.606. Deferred to May 5 call.

• Low acyl gellan gum: set future date for discussion (SR). Scheduled for discussion on May 19.

• Review ion exchange comments. Deferred to May 5 call.

• Assign leads/determine TR requests for 2023 sunsets. See table below.

• Discuss public comment. The group discussed the process for reviewing and summarizing public 

comment.

• Status update on several substances: 

o Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) - Awaiting response from petitioner

o Sodium Hydroxide TR - Awaiting response from TR contractor

• Whey Protein Concentrate response (ARB). The lead summarized the petitioner’s responses to the 

Subcommittees questions. The petitioner is requesting removal from 205.606. Members discussed the 

dual review (the sunset review and the petition) and how to move forward. The lead requested 

feedback from members and the group will discuss this on a future call. The HS may add some questions 

about supply in the Fall document. 

• Confirm Spring sunsets for new members. Completed
• Additional items. The NOSB Chair provided logistical information about the Spring 2020 NOSB meeting, 

given that it will be held virtually instead of in person.

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

March 17, 2020

Low acyl gellan gum (SR) - discuss additional info/petition sufficiency

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) petition (AB/KH) - petition sufficiency/discuss TR request

Phosphoric acid petition (AB/MJ) - petition sufficiency/discuss TR questions

Sodium hydroxide sunset (AB/MJ) - TR sufficiency

Fish oil annotation update (AB)

April 7, 2020

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) petition (AB/KH) - petition sufficiency/discuss TR request

Phosphoric acid petition (AB/MJ) - petition sufficiency/discuss potential questions

Assign leads/determine TR requests for 2023 sunsets

Discuss public comment

April 21, 2020 - Comment webinar

May 5, 2020

Zein (MJ) - Petition sufficiency

Ion exchange (SE/SR) - Determine need for TR

May 19, 2020

Low acyl gellan gum (SR) - discuss draft discussion document

June 2, 2020

June 16, 2020

July 7, 2020

July 21, 2020

August 4, 2020

August 18, 2020

September 1, 2020

September 15, 2020

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 17, 2020

December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020

Work Agenda

 Petitioned Substances

Substance National

List Contact DocType Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Low acyl gellan gum 205.605 SR Proposal Petition sent to HS 9.17.19. 

Sufficiency due 11.15.19. HS sent 

additional questions to petitioner 

1.6.19. Response sent to HS 3.5.20.

11.5.19

11.19.19

03.17.20

5.19.20

TBD
Other Projects

Petition found sufficient 3.17.20. 

Determine need for TR 5.19.20

Whey protein 

concentrate

(removal from 

205.606)

205.606 ARB Proposal Petition sent to HS 12.23.19. 

Sufficiency due 2.29.20. HS sent 

additional questions to petitioner 

02.04.20. Questions revised and 

resent 3.13.20

1.5.19

11.19.19

4.7.20

TBD

Cetylpyridinium 

chloride (CPC)

205.605 AB/KH Petition sent to HS 01.13.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.13.20. HS sent 

additional questions to petitioner 

03.17.20.

1.21.20

3.3.20

3.17.20

TBD

Phosphoric acid -

amend annotation

205.605(b) AB/MJ Petition sent to HS 01.28.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.28.20. HS sent 

additional questions to petitioner 

03.17.20. Response send to HS 

4.6.20. HS will send additional 

comments to petitioner 4.7.20.

3.3.20

3.17.20

4.7.20

TBD

Zein 205.606 MJ Petition sent to HS 03.20.20. 

Sufficiency due 05.19.20

5.5.20 TBD

Substance Contact Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Fish oil annotation AB Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

1.21.20 Spr 2020

L-Malic acid 

reclassification

SR Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

2.18.20 Spr 2020

Ion exchange 

filtration

SE/SR NOP memo sent to NOSB 8.27.19. TR requested 9.3.19. 

TR due in ~ mid-January 2020. Discussion doc Spr 2020.

TR sent to HS 03.11.20. Suff due 05.10.20

1.7.20

5.5.20

Spr 2020

Research Priorities ALL RPs due to MS Jan 2020. 1.21.20 Spr 2020

Packaging 

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 1.12.14. 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: 2.21.17. New TR in 

development. Expected July 2017. TR received 7.10.17. 

Response due 09.8.17. TR found sufficient 8.1.17. ON 

HOLD. 

TBD Discussion 

doc

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

2022 Sunsets TR Requests: July 2019, Summary: Spr 2020, Review: Fall 2020

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

? 2011 NOSB recommendation DHA

2011 NOSB recommendation ARA

Pending NOP Approval. Approved for addition to the 

work agenda 1.12.16. ON HOLD pending NOP action.

TBD TBD

Konjac Flour All TR sent to HS 1.3.2020 for review. 3.3.20

3.17.20

NA

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Kaolin 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 Summary: 

Spr 2020 

Review: 

Fall 2020

Sodium bicarbonate 205.605(a) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

11.19.19

Waxes—

nonsynthetic (Wood 

resin)

205.605(a) KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 “

Ammonium 

bicarbonate—for 

use only as a 

leavening agent

205.605(b) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

11.19.19 “

Ammonium 

carbonate—for use 

only as a leavening 

agent

205.605(b) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

11.19.19

Calcium phosphates 

(monobasic, dibasic, 

and tribasic)

205.605(b) JD N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2016 TR for Phosphates

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12..3.19 “

Ozone 205.605(b) SR N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.7.20

Sodium hydroxide—

prohibited for use in 

lye peeling of fruits 

and vegetables

205.605(b) MJ Y Sunset date 3/15/2022

TAP: 1995

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

TR sent to HS 02.6.20. TR 

Sufficiency due 04.6.20. HS sent 

additional questions 3.17.20

12.17.19

3.3.20

“

Carnauba wax 205.606 KH N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 “
2015/Fall 

- Rec to Reclassify

Colors (18)

Beet juice extract 

color; 

Beta-carotene 

extract color;

Black currant juice 

color; 

Black/purple carrot 

juice color;

Blueberry juice 

color;

Carrot juice color;

Cherry juice color;

Chokeberry, aronia 

juice color;

Elderberry juice 

color;

Grape juice color;

Grape skin extract 

color;

Paprika color;

Pumpkin juice color;

Purple sweet potato 

juice color;

Red cabbage extract 

color;

Red radish extract 

color;

Saffron extract 

color;

Turmeric extract 

color

205.606 SEN Sunset date: 

Beta carotene 5/29/2023; 

All others 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.17.19

02.4.20

Glycerin (CAS # 56-

81-5)

205.606 JDN Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2013 TR

12.17.19

Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (IOE) (CAS 

# 9005-80-5)

205.606 JDN Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

12.3.19“

Kelp—for use only 

as a thickener and 

dietary supplement

205.606 ARBN Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.21.19“

Orange shellac-

unbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 KHN Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.17.19“
Cornstarch (native) 205.606 AB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2.4.20 “

Sweet potato 

starch—for bean 

thread production 

only.

205.606 AB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2.4.20

Turkish bay leaves 205.606 SR N Sunset date 6/27/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

2.4.20 “

Whey protein 

concentrate

205.606 ARB N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

12.17.19 “

Spring 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Dec 9, 2019

NOSB - Spring 2020 proposals due to NOP Feb 20, 2020

New NOSB member training Feb 25 - 26, 2020

NOP - Draft Spring 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 2, 2020

NOP - Post proposals Mar 5, 2020

Public comment closes Apr 3, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 7, 2020

Public comment webinars Apr 21 & 23, 2020

Spring 2020 NOSB meeting - VIRTUAL Apr 28 – Apr 30, 2020

May 21, 2020

Jul 23, 2020

Aug 1, 2020

Aug 13, 2020

On or before Sep 2, 2020

Oct 2, 2020

~Oct 9, 2020

Sep 15, 2020
2023 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2020), Summary (Spr 2021), Review (Fall 2021)

Oct 20 & 22, 2020

Oct 27-29, 2020

Fall 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 21, 2020

NOSB Request for TRs for 2023 sunset materials Jul 23, 2020

NOP - Draft Fall 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 1, 2020

NOSB - Fall 2020 proposals due to NOP Aug 13, 2020

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 2, 2020

Public comment closes Oct 2, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 9, 2020

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Sep 15, 2020

Public comment webinars Oct 20 & 22, 2020

Fall 2020 NOSB meeting - Cedar Rapids, IA Oct 27-29, 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) KH Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

4.7.2020 Summary: 

Spr 2021

Review: 

Fall 2021

Animal enzymes 205.605(a) KH Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR Enzymes

2015 TR Enzymes

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

4.7.2020

Calcium sulfate—

mined

205.605(a) JD Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2001 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

4.7.2020 “

Carrageenan 205.605(a) MJ/AB Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

4.7.2020 “

Glucono deltalactone205.605(a) ARB Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

4.7.2020 “

Tartaric acid—made 

from grape wine

205.605(a) SE Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

4.7.2020 “

Cellulose (CAS 

#9004-34-6) 

205.605(b) SE Sunset date: 11/3/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

4.7.2020 “
Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) MJ Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

4.7.2020 “

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) AB Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2010 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

4.7.2020

Potassium lactate 205.605(b) JD Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR ( Lactic Acid, Sodium 

Lactate, and Potassium Lactate)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

4.7.2020

Sodium lactate 205.605(b) JD Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR ( Lactic Acid, Sodium 

Lactate, and Potassium Lactate)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

4.7.2020
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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Notes 

Tuesday, March 17, 2020 1:00 pm ET

Present: Asa Bradman (AB), Chair; Scott Rice (SR); Kim Huseman (KH); Mindee Jeffery (MJ); Steve Ela (SE); Jerry 

D’Amore (JD)

Absent: A-dae Briones (ARB)

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

Agenda

• March 3 notes

• Low acyl gellan gum (SR) - discuss additional info/petition sufficiency

• Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) petition (AB/KH) - petition sufficiency/discuss TR request

• Phosphoric acid petition (AB/MJ) - petition sufficiency/discuss TR questions

• Sodium hydroxide sunset (AB/MJ) - TR sufficiency

• Konjac - review TR questions

• Red jalapeno pepper update

• Ion Exchange TR - assign lead

• Additional items 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• March 3 notes were approved with minor changes.

• Low acyl gellan gum (SR). The petitioner responded to questions from the Subcommittee and the group 

discussed the responses. The HS received clarification that the petition requests addition to 205.605(a). 

The Handling Subcommittee found the petition sufficient and will not request a TR at this time. The HS 

will discuss the potential need for a TR after the draft document is written. 

• Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) petition (AB/KH). The leads discussed the preliminary review of CPC and 

the HS will seek some additional information from the petitioner before deeming the petition sufficient. 

The HS will discuss this again on the next call, and may request a TR.

• Phosphoric acid petition (AB/MJ). The lead summarized the petition, specifically the annotation about 

adjusting pH. There is a previous TAP report but it was from 2003, and so the Handling Subcommittee 

will seek additional information from the petitioner and will discuss a potential limited scope TR on the 

next call. 

• Sodium hydroxide sunset (AB/MJ). The lead summarized the use of the material and the TR. The TR was 

found insufficient at this time, and the HS will forward additional questions to the NOP to send to the TR 

contractor. 

• Konjac (AB) - review TR questions. The lead will summarize the Subcommittee’s review and send it to 

the NOP. The TR was requested by the NOP as part of rulemaking, and NOP asked that the HS provide 

feedback.

• Red jalapeno pepper update. The HS deemed the petition insufficient on a previous call, and the NOP 

notified the petitioner.

• Ion Exchange TR (AB/SE). AB and SE volunteered to co-lead the review for ion exchange. The NOP noted 

that there was a comment in the docket pertaining to ion exchange. 

• Additional items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned.
Previous HS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

March 3, 2020

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) petition (AB/KH) - petition sufficiency

Phosphoric acid petition (AB/MJ) - petition sufficiency

Sodium hydroxide petition - assign lead 

March 17, 2020

Low acyl gellan gum (SR) - discuss additional info/petition sufficiency

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) petition (AB/KH) - petition sufficiency/discuss TR request

Phosphoric acid petition (AB/MJ) - petition sufficiency/discuss TR questions

Sodium hydroxide sunset (AB/MJ) - TR sufficiency

Fish oil annotation update (AB)

April 7, 2020

Low acyl gellan gum (SR) - discuss draft discussion document

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) petition (AB/KH) - petition sufficiency/discuss TR request

Phosphoric acid petition (AB/MJ) - petition sufficiency/discuss potential questions

Assign leads/determine TR requests for 2023 sunsets

Discuss public comment

April 21, 2020

May 5, 2020

May 19, 2020

June 2, 2020

June 16, 2020

July 7, 2020

July 21, 2020

August 4, 2020

August 18, 2020

September 1, 2020

September 15, 2020

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 17, 2020

December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020

Work Agenda

 Petitioned Substances

Substance National

List Contact DocType Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Low acyl gellan gum 205.605 SR Proposal Petition sent to HS 9.17.19. 

Sufficiency due 11.15.19. HS sent 

additional questions to petitioner 

1.6.19. Response sent to HS 3.5.20.

Petition found sufficient 3.17.20. 

Determine need for TR 4.7.20

11.5.19

11.19.19

03.17.20

4.7.20

TBD
Other Projects

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

Whey protein 

concentrate

(removal from 

205.606)

205.606 ARB Proposal Petition sent to HS 12.23.19. 

Sufficiency due 2.29.20. HS sent 

additional questions to petitioner 

02.04.20. Questions revised and 

resent 3.13.20

1.5.19

11.19.19

TBD

Cetylpyridinium 

chloride (CPC)

205.605 AB/KH Petition sent to HS 01.13.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.13.20

1.21.20

3.3.20

3.17.20

4.7.20

TBD

Phosphoric acid -

amend annotation

205.605(b) AB/MJ Petition sent to HS 01.28.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.28.20

3.3.20

3.17.20

4.7.20

TBD

Substance Contact Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Fish oil annotation AB Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

1.21.20 Spr 2020

L-Malic acid 

reclassification

SR Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

2.18.20 Spr 2020

Ion exchange 

filtration

SE/SR NOP memo sent to NOSB 8.27.19. TR requested 9.3.19. 

TR due in ~ mid-January 2020. Discussion doc Spr 2020.

TR sent to HS 03.11.20. Suff due 05.10.20

1.7.20 Spr 2020

Research Priorities ALL RPs due to MS Jan 2020. 1.21.20 Spr 2020

Packaging 

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 1.12.14. 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: 2.21.17. New TR in 

development. Expected July 2017. TR received 7.10.17. 

Response due 09.8.17. TR found sufficient 8.1.17. ON 

HOLD. 

TBD Discussion 

doc

On hold

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

? 2011 NOSB recommendation DHA

2011 NOSB recommendation ARA

Pending NOP Approval. Approved for addition to the 

work agenda 1.12.16. ON HOLD pending NOP action.

TBD TBD

Konjac Flour All TR sent to HS 1.3.2020 for review. 3.3.20

3.17.20

NA
2022 Sunsets TR Requests: July 2019, Summary: Spr 2020, Review: Fall 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Kaolin 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 Summary: 

Spr 2020 

Review: 

Fall 2020

Sodium bicarbonate 205.605(a) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

11.19.19

Waxes—

nonsynthetic (Wood 

resin)

205.605(a) KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 “

Ammonium 

bicarbonate—for 

use only as a 

leavening agent

205.605(b) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

11.19.19 “

Ammonium 

carbonate—for use 

only as a leavening 

agent

205.605(b) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

11.19.19

Calcium phosphates 

(monobasic, dibasic, 

and tribasic)

205.605(b) JD N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2016 TR for Phosphates

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12..3.19 “

Ozone 205.605(b) SR N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.7.20

Sodium hydroxide—

prohibited for use in 

lye peeling of fruits 

and vegetables

205.605(b) MJ Y Sunset date 3/15/2022

TAP: 1995

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

TR sent to HS 02.6.20. TR 

Sufficiency due 04.6.20. HS sent 

additional questions 3.17.20

12.17.19

3.3.20

“

Carnauba wax 205.606 LD

KH

N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2015/Fall - Rec to Reclassify

12.3.19 “

Colors (18)

Beet juice extract 

color; 

Beta-carotene 

extract color;

205.606 SE N Sunset date: 

Beta carotene 5/29/2023; 

All others 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.17.19

02.0.4.20
Black currant juice 

color; 

Black/purple carrot 

juice color;

Blueberry juice 

color;

Carrot juice color;

Cherry juice color;

Chokeberry, aronia 

juice color;

Elderberry juice 

color;

Grape juice color;

Grape skin extract 

color;

Paprika color;

Pumpkin juice color;

Purple sweet potato 

juice color;

Red cabbage extract 

color;

Red radish extract 

color;

Saffron extract 

color;

Turmeric extract 

color

Glycerin (CAS # 56-

81-5)

JDN Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2013 TR

12.17.19

Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (IOE) (CAS 

# 9005-80-5)

205.606 JDN Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

12.3.19“

Kelp—for use only 

as a thickener and 

dietary supplement

205.606 ARBN Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.21.19“

Orange shellac-

unbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 KHN Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.17.19“

Cornstarch (native) 205.606 ABN Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2.4.20“

Sweet potato 

starch—for bean 

thread production 

only.

205.606 ABN Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2.4.20
Turkish bay leaves 205.606 SR N Sunset date 6/27/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

2.4.20 “

Whey protein 

concentrate

205.606 ARB N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

12.17.19 “

Spring 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Dec 9, 2019

NOSB - Spring 2020 proposals due to NOP Feb 20, 2020

New NOSB member training Feb 25 - 26, 2020

NOP - Draft Spring 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 2, 2020

NOP - Post proposals Mar 5, 2020

Public comment closes Apr 3, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 7, 2020

Public comment webinars Apr 21 & 23, 2020

Spring 2020 NOSB meeting - Crystal City, VA Apr 28 - May 1, 2020

May 21, 2020

Jul 23, 2020

Aug 1, 2020

Aug 13, 2020

On or before Sep 2, 2020

Oct 2, 2020

~Oct 9, 2020

Sep 15, 2020

Oct 20 & 22, 2020

Oct 27-29, 2020

Fall 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 21, 2020

NOSB Request for TRs for 2023 sunset materials Jul 23, 2020

NOP - Draft Fall 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 1, 2020

NOSB - Fall 2020 proposals due to NOP Aug 13, 2020

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 2, 2020

Public comment closes Oct 2, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 9, 2020

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Sep 15, 2020

Public comment webinars Oct 20 & 22, 2020

Fall 2020 NOSB meeting - Cedar Rapids, IA Oct 27-29, 2020
2023 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2020), Summary (Spr 2021), Review (Fall 2021)

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Agar-agar 205.605(a) Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

Summary: 

Spr 2021

Review: 

Fall 2021

Animal enzymes 205.605(a) Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR Enzymes

2015 TR Enzymes

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

Calcium sulfate—

mined

205.605(a) Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2001 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Carrageenan 205.605(a) Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Glucono deltalactone205.605(a) Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Tartaric acid—made 

from grape wine

205.605(a) Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Cellulose (CAS 

#9004-34-6) 

205.605(b) Sunset date: 11/3/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Potassium 

hydroxide

205.605(b) Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Silicon dioxide 205.605(b) Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2010 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

Chlorine 

materials...iii. 

Hypochlorous 

acid—generated 

from electrolyzed 

water.

205.605(b) Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2006 TR

2015 TR

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

Potassium lactate 205.605(b) Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR ( Lactic Acid, Sodium 

Lactate, and Potassium Lactate)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD
Sodium lactate 205.605(b) Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR ( Lactic Acid, Sodium 

Lactate, and Potassium Lactate)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD
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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Notes 

Tuesday, March 3, 2020 1:00 pm ET

Present: Asa Bradman (AB), Chair; Scott Rice (SR); Kim Huseman (KH); Mindee Jeffery (MJ); Steve Ela (SE); Jerry 

D’Amore (JD)

Absent: A-dae Briones (ARB)

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

Agenda

• February 18 notes

• Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) petition (AB/KH) - petition sufficiency

• Phosphoric acid petition (AB/MJ) - petition sufficiency

• Konjac Flour TR - AB/KH - Discuss TR 

• Sodium hydroxide TR - assign lead 

• Whey protein concentrate (WPC)

• Additional items 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• February 18 notes were

• Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) petition (AB/KH). The lead briefly summarized the petitioned use of CPC

and the HS will discuss petition sufficiency and determine the need for a TR on the March 17 call.

• Phosphoric acid petition (AB/MJ). The leads summarized the petition to amend the use of phosphoric 

acid to include use as a pH adjuster. The HS will ask for a limited scope TR, and MJ will provide a 

summary and questions for the next call. The HS will also determine petition sufficiency on the March 17 

call.

• Konjac Flour TR - AB/KH. The lead provided feedback to the NOP regarding the commercial availability 

of organic konjac flour, noting that there were four operations listed in the Organic Integrity Database, 

all in China. The HS recommends sending the TR back to the contractor for some additional information. 

• 2022 Sunset: Sodium hydroxide TR. AB reviewed the TR and will lead the TR sufficiency review. 

• Fish Oil (AB) The lead has reached out to staff at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

(NOAA) and the Monterey Bay Aquarium seeking feedback about fish oil and sustainability, and will 

have more to share on a later call. 

• Whey protein concentrate (WPC). The HS discussed the dual reviews - one for sunset and one for the 

petition, and the possible ways in which the Board can move forward with both. The HS will ask the 

petitioner for additional information about the different forms (and availability) of whey protein 

concentrate. The plan moving forward is to seek feedback from stakeholders at the Spring 2020 NOSB 

meeting on the sunset review, then move forward with the petition review in the Fall.

• Additional items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned.

Previous HS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

February 18, 2020
L-Malic acid reclassification (SR) - discuss and vote

March 3, 2020

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) petition (AB/KH) - petition sufficiency

Phosphoric acid petition (AB/MJ) - petition sufficiency

Sodium hydroxide TR (AB/MJ)

March 17, 2020

Low acyl gellan gum (SR) - discuss additional info/petition sufficiency

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) petition (AB/KH) - petition sufficiency/discuss TR request

Phosphoric acid petition (AB/MJ) - petition sufficiency/discuss TR questions

2022 Sunset: Sodium hydroxide (AB/MJ) - TR sufficiency

Whey Protein concentrate - Update/finalize questions for petitioner

Fish oil annotation update (AB)

April 7, 2020

April 21, 2020

May 5, 2020

May 19, 2020

June 2, 2020

June 16, 2020

July 7, 2020

July 21, 2020

August 4, 2020

August 18, 2020

September 1, 2020

September 15, 2020

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 17, 2020

December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National

List Contact DocType Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Low acyl gellan gum 205.605 SR Proposal Petition sent to HS 9.17.19. 

Sufficiency due 11.15.19. HS sent 

additional questions to petitioner 

1.6.19. Waiting for response.

11.5.19

11.19.19

TBD

Whey protein 

concentrate

(removal from 

205.606)

205.606 ARB Proposal Petition sent to HS 12.23.19. 

Sufficiency due 2.29.20. HS sent 

additional questions to petitioner 

02.04.20.

1.5.19

11.19.19

TBD

Cetylpyridinium 

chloride (CPC)

205.605 AB/KH Petition sent to HS 01.13.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.13.20

1.21.20

3.3.20

TBD

Phosphoric acid -

amend annotation

205.605(b) AB/MJ Petition sent to HS 01.28.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.28.20.

3.3.20 TBD
Other Projects

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

2022 Sunsets

TR Requests: July 2019, Summary: Spr 2020, Review: Fall 2020

Substance Contact Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Fish oil annotation AB Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

1.21.20 Spr 2020

L-Malic acid 

reclassification

SR Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

2.18.20 Spr 2020

Ion exchange 

filtration

SE/SR NOP memo sent to NOSB 8.27.19. TR requested 9.3.19. 

TR due in ~ mid-January 2020. Discussion doc Spr 2020.

1.7.20 Spr 2020

Research Priorities ALL RPs due to MS Jan 2020. 1.21.20 Spr 2020

Packaging 

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 1.12.14. 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: 2.21.17. New TR in 

development. Expected July 2017. TR received 7.10.17. 

Response due 09.8.17. TR found sufficient 8.1.17. ON 

HOLD. 

TBD Discussion 

doc

On hold

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

? 2011 NOSB recommendation DHA

2011 NOSB recommendation ARA

Pending NOP Approval. Approved for addition to the 

work agenda 1.12.16. ON HOLD pending NOP action.

TBD TBD

Konjac Flour All TR sent to HS for review only. 3.3.20

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Kaolin 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 Summary: 

Spr 2020 

Review: 

Fall 2020

Sodium bicarbonate 205.605(a) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

11.19.19

Waxes—

nonsynthetic (Wood 

resin)

205.605(a) KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 “

Ammonium 

bicarbonate—for 

205.605(b) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

11.19.19 “
use only as a 

leavening agent

Ammonium 

carbonate—for use 

only as a leavening 

agent

205.605(b) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

11.19.19

Calcium phosphates 

(monobasic, dibasic, 

and tribasic)

205.605(b) JD N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2016 TR for Phosphates

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 “

Ozone 205.605(b) SR N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.7.20

Sodium hydroxide—

prohibited for use in 

lye peeling of fruits 

and vegetables

205.605(b) MJ/AB Y Sunset date 3/15/2022

TAP: 1995

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

TR sent to HS 02.6.20. TR 

Sufficiency due 04.6.20

12.17.19

3.3.20

“

Carnauba wax 205.606 LD

KH

N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2015/Fall - Rec to Reclassify

12.3.19 “

Colors (18)

Beet juice extract 

color; 

Beta-carotene 

extract color;

Black currant juice 

color; 

Black/purple carrot 

juice color;

Blueberry juice 

color;

Carrot juice color;

Cherry juice color;

Chokeberry, aronia 

juice color;

Elderberry juice 

color;

Grape juice color;

Grape skin extract 

color;

Paprika color;

Pumpkin juice color;

Purple sweet potato 

juice color;

Red cabbage extract 

color;

205.606 SE N Sunset date: 

Beta carotene 5/29/2023; 

All others 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.17.19

02.04.20
Red radish extract 

color;

Saffron extract 

color;

Turmeric extract 

color

Glycerin (CAS # 56-

81-5)

JD N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2013 TR

12.17.19

Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (IOE) (CAS 

# 9005-80-5)

205.606 JD N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

12.3.19 “

Kelp—for use only 

as a thickener and 

dietary supplement

205.606 ARB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.21.19 “

Orange shellacunbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.17.19 “

Cornstarch (native) 205.606 AB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2.4.20 “

Sweet potato 

starch—for bean 

thread production 

only.

205.606 AB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2.4.20

Turkish bay leaves 205.606 SR N Sunset date 6/27/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

2.4.20 “

Whey protein 

concentrate

205.606 ARB N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

12.17.19 “

Spring 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Dec 9, 2019

NOSB - Spring 2020 proposals due to NOP Feb 20, 2020

New NOSB member training Feb 25 - 26, 2020

NOP - Draft Spring 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 2, 2020

NOP - Post proposals Mar 5, 2020
Public comment closes Apr 3, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 7, 2020

Public comment webinars Apr 21 & 23, 2020

Spring 2020 NOSB meeting - Crystal City, VA Apr 28 - May 1, 2020
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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Notes 

Tuesday, February 18, 2020 1:00 pm ET

Present: Asa Bradman (AB), Chair; Scott Rice (SR); Kim Huseman (KH); Mindee Jeffery (MJ) 

Absent: Steve Ela (SE); Scott Rice (SR); A-dae Briones (ARB); Jerry D’Amore (JD)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA)

Agenda

• February 4 notes

• L-Malic acid reclassification (SR) - discuss and vote 

• Phosphoric acid petition (AB/MJ)/update reminder - sufficiency due 3/28

• Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) Petition - TBD. Due 3/13

• Whey Protein petitions update

• Marine Materials - fish stocks update 

• Additional items 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• February 4 notes were approved with no changes

• L-Malic acid reclassification (SR). The lead summarized the review of L-malic acid, noting that during 

the last sunset review certifiers identified an issue with the classification, suggesting that it should be 

classified as synthetic. The lead asked for feedback from members and the HS discussed putting forth a 

discussion document instead of a proposal in order to glean additional comments. Members discussed 

questions to add to the discussion document and will circulate it for voting by 12:00 ET Thursday. NOP

added results from email vote below. 

Motion to accept the discussion document for L-Malic acid

Motion by: SR

Seconded by: SE

Additional discussion: None

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

• Phosphoric acid petition (AB/MJ)/update reminder. Petition sufficiency due 3/28

• Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) petition (AB/KH). The lead provided some guidance about the review 

process for the benefit of the new members. 

• Whey protein concentrate petition update (AB/ARB). AB provided feedback to the lead and will reach 

out to collect the final version for posting. 

• Fish oil - fish stocks update (AB). Deferred to next call. AB will reach out to NOAA about fisheries

sustainability and will update the HS on the next call.

• Sodium hydroxide. TR sufficiency is due in April, and the HS will assign a lead on the next call.

• Additional items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned.

Previous HS Notes
Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)

February 4, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Cornstarch (AB) – discuss

2022 Sunsets: Sweet potato starch (AB) – discuss

Konjac flour TR - review

February 18, 2020

L-Malic acid reclassification (SR) - discuss and vote

March 3, 2020

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) petition (AB/KH) - petition sufficiency

Phosphoric acid petition (AB/MJ) - petition sufficiency

Sodium hydroxide TR - assign lead 

March 17, 2020

April 7, 2020

April 21, 2020

May 5, 2020

May 19, 2020

June 2, 2020

June 16, 2020

July 7, 2020

July 21, 2020

August 4, 2020

August 18, 2020

September 1, 2020

September 15, 2020

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 17, 2020

December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National

List Contact DocType Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Low acyl gellan gum 205.605 SR Proposal Petition sent to HS 9.17.19. 

Sufficiency due 11.15.19. HS sent 

additional questions to petitioner 

1.6.19. Waiting for response.

11.5.19

11.19.19

TBD

Red jalapeño pepper 205.606 SE Proposal Petition sent to HS 10.8.19. 

Sufficiency due 12.6.19. HS sent 

petitioner follow up questions. 

Petitioner response sent to HS 

1.15.20. HS sent response to 

petitioner denying review of 

petition 2.4.20

11.19.19

1.21.20

2.4.20

TBD
Other Projects

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

2022 Sunsets

TR Requests: July 2019, Summary: Spr 2020, Review: Fall 2020

Whey protein 

concentrate

(removal from 

205.606)

205.606 ARB Proposal Petition sent to HS 12.23.19. 

Sufficiency due 2.29.20

1.5.19

11.19.19

TBD

Cetylpyridinium 

chloride (CPC)

205.605 AB/KH Petition sent to HS 01.13.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.13.20

1.21.20

3.3.20

TBD

Phosphoric acid -

amend annotation

205.605(b) AB/MJ Petition sent to HS 01.28.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.28.20

3.3.20 TBD

Sodium hydroxide 205.605 TR sent to HS 02.6.20. TR

Sufficiency due 04.6.20

3.3.20 TBD

Substance Contact Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Fish oil annotation AB Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

1.21.20 Spr 2020

L-Malic acid 

reclassification

SR Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

2.18.20 Spr 2020

Ion exchange 

filtration

SE/SR NOP memo sent to NOSB 8.27.19. TR requested 9.3.19. 

TR due in ~ mid-January 2020. Discussion doc Spr 2020.

1.7.20 Spr 2020

Research Priorities ALL RPs due to MS Jan 2020. 1.21.20 Spr 2020

Packaging 

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 1.12.14. 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: 2.21.17. New TR in 

development. Expected July 2017. TR received 7.10.17. 

Response due 09.8.17. TR found sufficient 8.1.17. ON 

HOLD. 

TBD Discussion 

doc

On hold

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

? 2011 NOSB recommendation DHA

2011 NOSB recommendation ARA

Pending NOP Approval. Approved for addition to the 

work agenda 1.12.16. ON HOLD pending NOP action.

TBD TBD

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Kaolin 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 Summary: 

Spr 2020 

Review: 

Fall 2020
Sodium bicarbonate 205.605(a) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

11.19.19

Waxes—

nonsynthetic (Wood 

resin)

205.605(a) KHN Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19“

Ammonium 

bicarbonate—for 

use only as a 

leavening agent

205.605(b) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

11.19.19“

Ammonium 

carbonate—for use 

only as a leavening 

agent

205.605(b) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

11.19.19

Calcium phosphates 

(monobasic, dibasic, 

and tribasic)

205.605(b) JDN Sunset date 3/15/2022

2016 TR for Phosphates

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19“

Ozone 205.605(b) SRN Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.7.20

Sodium hydroxide—

prohibited for use in 

lye peeling of fruits 

and vegetables

205.605(b) HB

MJ

Y Sunset date 3/15/2022

TAP: 1995

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.17.19“

Carnauba wax 205.606 LD

KH

N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2015/Fall - Rec to Reclassify

12.3.19“

Colors (18)

Beet juice extract 

color; 

Beta-carotene 

extract color;

Black currant juice 

color; 

Black/purple carrot 

juice color;

Blueberry juice 

color;

Carrot juice color;

Cherry juice color;

Chokeberry, aronia 

juice color;

Elderberry juice 

color;

Grape juice color;

205.606 SEN Sunset date: 

Beta carotene 5/29/2023; 

All others 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.17.19

02.04.20
Grape skin extract 

color;

Paprika color;

Pumpkin juice color;

Purple sweet potato 

juice color;

Red cabbage extract 

color;

Red radish extract 

color;

Saffron extract 

color;

Turmeric extract 

color

Glycerin (CAS # 56-

81-5)

JD N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2013 TR

12.17.19

Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (IOE) (CAS 

# 9005-80-5)

205.606 JD N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

12.3.19 “

Kelp—for use only 

as a thickener and 

dietary supplement

205.606 ARB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.21.19 “

Orange shellacunbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.17.19 “

Cornstarch (native) 205.606 AB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2.4.20 “

Sweet potato 

starch—for bean 

thread production 

only.

205.606 AB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2.4.20

Turkish bay leaves 205.606 SR N Sunset date 6/27/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

2.4.20 “

Whey protein 

concentrate

205.606 ARB N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

12.17.19 “

Spring 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)
NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Dec 9, 2019

NOSB - Spring 2020 proposals due to NOP Feb 20, 2020

New NOSB member training Feb 25 - 26, 2020

NOP - Draft Spring 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 2, 2020

NOP - Post proposals Mar 5, 2020

Public comment closes Apr 3, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 7, 2020

Public comment webinars Apr 21 & 23, 2020

Spring 2020 NOSB meeting - Crystal City, VA Apr 28 - May 1, 2020
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to or removal from 

the National List. Proposals must be voted on by the NOSB, to become recommendations to the USDA. 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.

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Notes 

Tuesday, February 4, 2020 1:00 pm ET

Present: Asa Bradman (AB), Chair; Steve Ela (SE); Scott Rice (SR); A-dae Briones (ARB); Jerry D’Amore (JD); 

Kim Huseman (KH); Mindee Jeffery (MJ) 

Absent: None

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA)

Agenda

• January 21 notes

• 2022 Sunsets: Cornstarch (AB) - discuss

• 2022 Sunsets: Sweet potato starch (AB) - discuss

• 2022 Sunsets: Food colors (SE/AB) 

• Konjac flour TR - Review

• Red Jalapeno Pepper - discuss petition insufficiency comments

• Phosphoric acid petition - sufficiency review/discuss

• Reassign materials to new members

• Additional items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from January 21 were approved with a minor change.

• 2022 Sunsets: Cornstarch (AB). The lead summarized the uses and manufacture of cornstarch. The 

members provided some minor modifications and the HS will submit the document for the Spring 

meeting docket. 

• 2022 Sunsets: Sweet potato starch (AB). The lead summarized the uses of sweet potato starch 

which is annotated at 205.606: Sweet potato starch - for bean thread production only. The lead 

noted that there was little information about manufacture, and it is not listed in any of the

international standards. The HS will add a question about essentiality and forward to the NOP for 

the Spring meeting. 

• 2022 Sunsets: Colors (SE). The lead summarized the previous review for the colors, and noted that 

the NOSB is interested in hearing from the community about what colors are needed, and if there 

are any that are not needed. He noted that many colors are now being produced organically. Based 

on stakeholder feedback, the HS may group the colors for voting at the Fall meeting for expediency. 

• Konjac flour TR (SR). The Handling Subcommittee will respond to the NOP by March 3. KH and AB 

will review the TR. A member noted that the NOSB voted to remove this from the list because there 

was no indication that it was being used, and the NOP contracted a TR to aid in its review for 

rulemaking. The NOSB would like more information regarding commercial availability.

• Red Jalapeno Pepper. The HS forwarded a letter to the NOP to send to the petitioner regarding its

decision to not review the petition. The petitioner previously provided additional information upon 

request, indicating that the cost of producing red jalapeno pepper was prohibitive, but cost is not a 

criterion the NOSB can use to determine whether a substance should be added to the National List, 

therefore the HS rejected the petition. 

• Phosphoric acid petition (AB/MJ). The lead noted that upon initial review the petition may not be 

complete, and will discuss this further on March 3. 
• Reassign materials to new members. New members volunteered to review materials that were 

previously being led by members whose terms ended in January. See table below.

• Additional items. None

• Whey protein concentrate petition to remove from 205.606 (ARB). The lead will send additional 

questions for the petitioner to the HS Chair for input, who will then send them to the NOP.

• The meeting was adjourned. 

Previous HS Notes

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

January 21, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Kelp (ARB) - discuss

2022 Sunsets: Whey protein concentrate (ARB) - discuss

Fish oil discussion document (TC)

Research priorities discussion document - discuss

February 4, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Cornstarch (AB) - discuss

2022 Sunsets: Sweet potato starch (AB) - discuss

Konjac flour TR - review

February 18, 2020

L-Malic acid reclassification (SR). Discuss and vote 

March 3, 2020

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) - assign lead

Phosphoric acid petition. Discuss 

March 17, 2020

April 7, 2020

April 21, 2020

May 5, 2020

May 19, 2020

June 2, 2020

June 16, 2020

July 7, 2020

July 21, 2020

August 4, 2020

August 18, 2020

September 1, 2020

September 15, 2020

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 17, 2020

December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Contac

t

Doc 

type

Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target 

meeting
Low acyl gellan gum 205.605 LD/SR Propos

al

Petition sent to HS 9.17.19. 

Sufficiency due 11.15.19. HS sent 

additional questions to petitioner 

1.6.19. Waiting for response.

11.5.19

11.19.19

TBD

Red jalapeño pepper 205.606 SE Propos

al

Petition sent to HS 10.8.19. 

Sufficiency due 12.6.19. HS sent 

petitioner follow up questions. 

Petitioner response sent to HS 

1.15.20. HS sent response to 

petitioner denying review of 

petition 2.4.20

11.19.19

1.21.20

2.4.20

TBD

Whey protein 

concentrate (removal 

from 205.606)

205.606 ARB Propos

al

Petition sent to HS 12.23.19. 

Sufficiency due 2.29.20. HS sent 

additional questions to petitioner 

02.04.20

1.21.20

2.4.20

Cetylpyridinium 

chloride (CPC)

205.605 TBD Petition sent to HS 01.13.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.13.20

1.21.20

3.3.20

Phosphoric acid –

amend annotation

205.605(b) AB/MJ Petition sent to HS 01.28.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.28.20

3.3.20

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed, 

Voted

Target 

meetin

g

Fish oil annotation AB Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

1.21.20 Spr 

2020

L-Malic acid 

reclassification

SR Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. 

Approved by NOP 8.6.19. 

2.18.20 Spr 

2020

Ion exchange 

filtration

SE/SR NOP memo sent to NOSB 8.27.19. TR requested 9.3.19. TR 

due in ~ mid-January 2020. Discussion doc Spr 2020.

1.7.20 Spr 

2020

Research Priorities ALL RPs due to MS Jan 2020. 1.21.20 Spr 

2020

Packaging 

substances used 

in organic food 

handling -

including BPA

AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 1.12.14. 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: 2.21.17. New 

TR in development. Expected July 2017. TR received 

7.10.17. Response due 09.8.17. TR found sufficient 8.1.17. 

ON HOLD. 

TBD Discussi

on doc 

On hold

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation 

change

? 2011 NOSB recommendation DHA

2011 NOSB recommendation ARA

Pending NOP Approval. Approved for addition to the work 

agenda 1.12.16. ON HOLD pending NOP action. 

TBD TBD

*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote
2022 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2019, Summary: Spr 2020, Review: Fall 2020

Substance National 

List §

Con

tact

TR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Target 

meeting

Kaolin 205.605(a) KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 Summary: 

Spr 2020

Review: 

Fall 2020

Sodium bicarbonate 205.605(a) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.19.19 “

Waxes—nonsynthetic 

(Wood resin)

205.605(a) KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 “

Ammonium 

bicarbonate—for use 

only as a leavening 

agent

205.605(b) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

11.19.19 “

Ammonium 

carbonate—for use only 

as a leavening agent

205.605(b) SE

MJ

N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

11.19.19 “

Calcium phosphates 

(monobasic, dibasic, and 

tribasic)

205.605(b) JD N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2016 TR for Phosphates

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 “

Ozone 205.605(b) SR N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.7.20 “

Sodium hydroxide—

prohibited for use in lye 

peeling of fruits and 

vegetables

205.605(b) HB

MJ

Y Sunset date 3/15/2022

TAP: 1995

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.17.19 “

Carnauba wax 205.606 LD

KH

N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

 

12.3.19
Colors (18)

Beet juice extract color; 

Beta-carotene extract 

color;

Black currant juice color; 

Black/purple carrot juice 

color;

Blueberry juice color;

Carrot juice color;

Cherry juice color;

Chokeberry, aronia juice 

color;

Elderberry juice color;

Grape juice color;

Grape skin extract color;

Paprika color;

Pumpkin juice color;

Purple sweet potato 

juice color;

Red cabbage extract 

color;

Red radish extract color;

Saffron extract color;

Turmeric extract color

205.606 SE N Sunset date: 

Beta carotene 5/29/2023; 

All others 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.17.19

02.04.20

Glycerin (CAS # 56-81-5) JD N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2013 TR

/ 

 

12.17.19

Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (IOE) (CAS # 

9005-80-5)

205.606 JD N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

12.3.19 “

Kelp—for use only as a 

thickener and dietary 

supplement

205.606 ARB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.21.19 “

Orange shellacunbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 KH N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.17.19 “

Cornstarch (native) 205.606 AB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2.4.20 “

Sweet potato starch—

for bean thread 

production only.

205.606 AB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2.4.20 “

Turkish bay leaves 205.606 SR N Sunset date 6/27/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

12.17.19 “
Whey protein 

concentrate

205.606 ARB N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

1.21.19 “

Spring 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Nov 15, 2019

NOSB - Spring 2020 proposals due to NOP Feb 20, 2020

New NOSB member training Feb 25 - 26, 2020

NOP - Draft Spring 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 2, 2020

NOP - Post proposals Mar 5, 2020

Public comment closes Apr 3, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 7, 2020

Public comment webinars Apr 21 & 23, 2020

Spring 2020 NOSB meeting - Crystal City, VA Apr 29 - May 1, 2020
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to or removal from 

the National List. Proposals must be voted on by the NOSB, to become recommendations to the USDA. 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.

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Notes 

Tuesday, January 21, 2020 1:00 pm ET

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

Rice (SR); Harriet Behar (HB); A-dae Briones (ARB); Jerry D’Amore (JD) - observer; Kim Huseman (KH) -

observer, Mindee Jeffery (MJ) - observer 

Absent: None

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

Agenda

• January 7 notes

• 2022 Sunsets: Kelp (ARB) - discuss

• 2022 Sunsets: Whey protein concentrate (ARB) - discuss

• Whey protein concentrate petition for removal (TC/HB)

• Fish oil discussion document (TC) - discuss/vote

• Research priorities discussion document - discuss

• Red Jalapeno Pepper Petition Responses (SE)

• CPC petition for poultry processing - assign lead

• Konjac TR - update

• Additional items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from January 7 were accepted as is.

• 2022 Sunsets: Kelp (ARB). The lead summarized the substance. Kelp is listed at 205.606 and is used 

as a thickener and dietary supplement. The HS discussed questions about supply which were added 

to the Spring 2020 review. A member noted that there was an NOP memo regarding certified 

organic kelp (NOP response to comments 5027-1). A member asked about the difference between 

the requirement for organic livestock feed and use for human consumption.

• 2022 Sunsets: Whey protein concentrate (ARB). The lead summarized the material, its uses, and its 

previous reviews. Members suggested some questions for the sunset review and also discussed this

review in relation to the whey protein concentrate petition for removal. 

• Whey protein concentrate petition for removal (TC/HB/ARB). Members discussed the petition, 

and felt that it was insufficient with regard to information about commercial availability and 

capacity in the market. The HS will send some additional questions to the petitioner before moving 

forward with further discussion. 

• Fish oil discussion document (TC/AB). The HS briefly discussed the fish oil discussion document and 

would like to seek input from NOAA, as NOAA provided feedback about the aquaculture standards

proposed rule. The members discussed asking a representative to talk at the Spring 2020 NOSB. The

HS Chair will work to find a contact at NOAA and NOP will review the previous aquaculture 

documents to find a possible contact.

Motion to accept the discussion document on fish oil. 

Motion by: TC

Seconded by: HB 

Additional discussion: None
Yes: 6 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0 

• Research priorities (RP) discussion document. The HS Chair circulated the previous RPs to the 

group and the members discussed which items to keep, remove, or add to the list. As an example, 

the Chair noted that the USDA has funded research for celery powder which is underway. A review

of previous public comments revealed no additional research suggestions. 

• Red Jalapeno Pepper Petition Responses (SE). The HS will seek additional information from the 

petitioner about supply and barriers to sourcing organic. 

• CPC petition for poultry processing - assign lead. Petition sufficiency is due March 13, 2020. The HS 

will defer the assignment of a lead reviewer to the next call when new NOSB members join the 

Subcommittee. One member provided some feedback about alternatives and the group will discuss 

it more on the next call. 

• Konjac TR - update. Deferred to next call.

• Additional items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned. 

Previous HS Notes

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

January 7, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Ozone (SR) - discuss

Fish oil discussion document (TC)

Ion exchange draft discussion document (SE/SR) – discuss

L-Malic acid reclassification - discuss 

Research priorities - discuss discussion document

Konjac flour TR discussion

Thoughts on 205.606 (HB)

January 21, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Kelp (ARB) - discuss

2022 Sunsets: Whey protein concentrate (ARB) - discuss

Fish oil discussion document (TC)

Research priorities discussion document - discuss

February 4, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Cornstarch (AB) - discuss

2022 Sunsets: Sweet potato starch (AB) - discuss

Konjac flour TR - Review

February 18, 2020

L-Malic acid reclassification (TC/SR?). Discuss and vote

March 3, 2020

March 17, 2020

April 7, 2020

April 21, 2020

May 5, 2020

May 19, 2020

June 2, 2020

June 16, 2020

July 7, 2020

July 21, 2020

August 4, 2020

August 18, 2020

September 1, 2020

September 15, 2020
October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 17, 2020

December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

Doc type Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target 

meeting

Low acyl gellan gum 205.605 LD/SR Proposal Petition sent to HS 9.17.19. 

Sufficiency due 11.15.19. HS sent 

additional questions to petitioner 

1.6.19. Waiting for response.

11.5.19

11.19.19

TBD

Red jalapeño pepper 205.606 SE Proposal Petition sent to HS 10.8.19. 

Sufficiency due 12.6.19. HS sent 

petitioner follow up questions. 

Petitioner response sent to HS 

1.15.20

11.19.19

1.21.20

TBD

Whey protein 

concentrate (removal 

from 205.606)

205.606 Proposal Petition sent to HS 12.23.19. 

Sufficiency due 2.29.20

1.21.20

2.4.20

Cetylpyridinium 

chloride (CPC)

205.605 Petition sent to HS 01.13.20. 

Sufficiency due 03.13.20

1.21.20

2.4.20

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Target 

meeting

Fish oil annotation TC, HB,

AB

Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. Approved by 

NOP 8.6.19. Disc/vote discussion doc 1.21.20

Spr 2020

L-Malic acid

reclassification

TC/SR Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. Approved by 

NOP 8.6.19. Disc/vote on proposal 2.18.20

Spr 2020

Ion exchange 

filtration

SE/SR NOP memo sent to NOSB 8.27.19. TR requested 9.3.19. TR due in 

~ mid-January 2020. Discussion doc Spr 2020. Voted 1.7.20

Spr 2020

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Jan 2020. Discuss 1.21.20. Spr 2020

Packaging 

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 1.12.14. 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: 2.21.17. New TR in development. Expected July 

2017. TR received 7.10.17. Response due 09.8.17. TR found 

sufficient 8.1.17. ON HOLD. 

Discussion doc 

On hold
Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

TC 2011 NOSB recommendation DHA

2011 NOSB recommendation ARA

Pending NOP Approval. Approved for addition to the work 

agenda 1.12.16. ON HOLD pending NOP action. 

TBD

*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote
2022 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2019, Summary: Spr 2020, Review: Fall 2020

Substance National 

List §

Con

tact

TR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Target 

meeting

Kaolin 205.605(a) LD N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 Summary: 

Spr 2020

Review: 

Fall 2020

Sodium bicarbonate 205.605(a) SE N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.19.19 “

Waxes—nonsynthetic 

(Wood resin)

205.605(a) LD N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 “

Ammonium 

bicarbonate—for use 

only as a leavening 

agent

205.605(b) SE N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

11.19.19 “

Ammonium 

carbonate—for use only 

as a leavening agent

205.605(b) SE N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

11.19.19 “

Calcium phosphates 

(monobasic, dibasic, 

and tribasic)

205.605(b) TC N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2016 TR for Phosphates

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 “

Ozone 205.605(b) SR N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.7.20 “

Sodium hydroxide—

prohibited for use in lye 

peeling of fruits and 

vegetables

205.605(b) HB Y Sunset date 3/15/2022

TAP: 1995

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.17.19 “

Carnauba wax 205.606 LD N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

 

12.3.19
Colors (18)

Beet juice extract color; 

Beta-carotene extract 

color; 

Black currant juice 

color; 

Black/purple carrot 

juice color;

Blueberry juice color;

Carrot juice color;

Cherry juice color;

Chokeberry, aronia juice 

color;

Elderberry juice color;

Grape juice color;

Grape skin extract color;

Paprika color;

Pumpkin juice color;

Purple sweet potato 

juice color;

Red cabbage extract 

color;

Red radish extract color;

Saffron extract color;

Turmeric extract color

205.606 TCN Sunset date: 

Beta carotene 5/29/2023; 

All others 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.17.19

Glycerin (CAS # 56-81-5) TCN Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2013 TR

/ 

 

12.17.19

Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (IOE) (CAS # 

9005-80-5)

205.606 TCN Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

12.3.19“

Kelp—for use only as a 

thickener and dietary 

supplement

205.606 ARBN Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.21.19“

Orange shellac-

unbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 HBN Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.17.19“

Cornstarch (native) 205.606 ABN Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2.4.20“

Sweet potato starch—

for bean thread 

production only.

205.606 ABN Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2.4.20“

Turkish bay leaves 205.606 SRN Sunset date 6/27/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

12.17.19“
Whey protein 

concentrate

205.606 ARB N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

1.21.19 “

Spring 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Nov 15, 2019

NOSB - Spring 2020 proposals due to NOP Feb 20, 2020

New NOSB member training Feb 25 - 26, 2020

NOP - Draft Spring 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 2, 2020

NOP - Post proposals Mar 5, 2020

Public comment closes Apr 3, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 7, 2020

Public comment webinars Apr 21 & 23, 2020

Spring 2020 NOSB meeting - Crystal City, VA Apr 28 - May 1, 2020
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to or removal from 

the National List. Proposals must be voted on by the NOSB, to become recommendations to the USDA. 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.

Handling Subcommittee (HS) Notes 

Tuesday, January 7, 2020 1:00 pm ET

Present: Asa Bradman (AB), Chair; Lisa de Lima (LD), Vice Chair; Steve Ela (SE); Scott Rice (SR); Harriet Behar 

(HB); A-dae Briones (ARB); Jerry D’Amore (JD) - observer; Kim Huseman (KH) - observer, Mindee (MJ) -

observer; Jesse Buie (JB) - observer

Absent: Tom Chapman (TC)

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

Agenda

• December 17 notes

• 2022 Sunsets: Ozone (SR) - discuss

• Fish oil discussion document (TC) - discuss

• Ion exchange draft discussion document (HB/SE/SR) - discuss

• L-Malic acid reclassification (TC/SR?)

• Research priorities - discuss discussion document

• Thoughts on 205.606 (HB)

• Additional items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from December 17 were approved as is

• 2022 Sunsets: Ozone (SR). The lead summarized the review for ozone and will submit the 

document for the Spring meeting. The lead noted that the original tap, from 1995, was limited and 

the NOSB may want to consider an updated one. 

• 2022 Sunsets: Kelp (ARB). Deferred to next call. 

• 2022 Sunsets: Whey protein concentrate (WPC) (ARB). Deferred to next call. A member asked how 

to move forward with the review given that the NOSB also received a petition to remove WPC The 

NOSB must complete the sunset review and will then review the petition. ABR will lead both 

reviews. 

• Fish oil discussion document (TC). Members briefly discussed the draft document, and will forward 

questions to the lead. Further discussion was scheduled for the January 21 call.

• Ion exchange draft discussion document (HB/SE/SR). The lead summarized the discussion 

document, noting that the HS requested a TR, which is due in ~ mid-January 2020. The 

Subcommittee voted to move this forward for full-Board discussion. 

Motion to accept the discussion document on ion exchange 

Motion by: HB

Seconded by: LD 

Additional discussion: None

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

• L-Malic acid reclassification (TC/SR?). The HS members had no additional comments on the draft 

document. The lead will complete the document and the HS will vote on it on February 18. 
• Low acyl gellen gum petition (LD/SR). The HS sent additional questions to the petitioner in 

November 2019 and will continue its discussion and determine petition sufficiency at a later date.

• 2022 Sunsets: Colors (TC/LD). The HS will review the colors individually, since they are listed that 

way on the National List. This will also facilitate voting if they decide to remove any. LD will review 

the list and identify any that may be candidates for removal. SE will lead this review when TC 

rotates off. 

• Konjac flour TR. The NOP contracted a TR for use during the rulemaking phase and has asked that 

the NOSB review it. The focus of the TR was on sources and use. SR will review the TR along with 

one of the new NOSB members.

• Research priorities - discuss discussion document. The HS will review the research priorities on the 

January 21 call and send them to the Materials Subcommittee in advance of the February 11 MS 

call. 

• Thoughts on 205.606 (HB). HB suggested adding language to the petition guidance asking

petitioners who are petitioning substances for addition to 205.606 to provide information regarding 

source limitations and possible barriers to commercial organic production.

• Additional items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned. 

Previous HS Notes

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

December 17, 2019

2022 Sunsets: Colors (18) (TC) - discuss

2022 Sunsets: Glycerin (TC) - discuss

2022 Sunsets: Sodium hydroxide (HB) - discuss

2022 Sunsets: Orange shellac (HB) - discuss

2022 Sunsets: Turkish bay leaves (SR) - discuss

January 7, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Ozone (SR) - discuss

Fish oil discussion document (TC)

Ion exchange draft discussion document (SE/SR) – discuss

L-Malic acid reclassification - discuss 

Research priorities - discuss discussion document

Konjac flour TR discussion

Thoughts on 205.606 (HB).

January 21, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Kelp (ARB) - discuss

2022 Sunsets: Whey protein concentrate (ARB) - discuss

2022 Sunsets: Cornstarch (AB) - discuss

2022 Sunsets: Sweet potato starch (AB) - discuss

Fish oil discussion document (TC)

Research priorities discussion document - discuss

February 4, 2020

Konjac flour TR.

February 18, 2020

L-Malic acid reclassification (TC/SR). Discuss and vote

Whey protein concentrate petition (ARB) - petition sufficiency

March 3, 2020

March 17, 2020

April 7, 2020

April 21, 2020
May 5, 2020

May 19, 2020

June 2, 2020

June 16, 2020

July 7, 2020

July 21, 2020

August 4, 2020

August 18, 2020

September 1, 2020

September 15, 2020

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 17, 2020

December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Conta

ct

Doc type Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target 

meeting

Low acyl gellan gum 205.605 LD/SR Proposal Petition sent to HS 9.17.19. 

Sufficiency due 11.15.19. HS sent 

additional questions to petitioner 

11.7.19 - waiting for response.

11.5.19

11.19.19

TBD

Red jalapeño pepper 205.606 SE Proposal Petition sent to HS 10.8.19. 

Sufficiency due 12.6.19

11.19.19 TBD

Whey protein 

concentrate (removal 

from 205.606)

205.606 ARB Proposal Petition sent to HS 12.23.19. 

Sufficiency due 2.29.20

2.18.20

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Target 

meeting

Fish oil annotation TC, HB, 

AB

Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. Approved by 

NOP 8.6.19. Disc/vote discussion doc 1.21.20

Spr 2020

L-Malic acid

reclassification

TC/SR Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. Approved by 

NOP 8.6.19. Disc/vote on 2.18.20

Spr 2020

Ion exchange 

filtration

SE/SR NOP memo sent to NOSB 8.27.19. TR requested 9.3.19. TR due in 

~ mid-January 2020. Discussion doc Spr 2020. Voted 1.7.20

Spr 2020

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Jan 2020. Disc 1.21.20. Spring 2020
Packaging 

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 1.12.14. 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: 2.21.17. New TR in development. Expected July 

2017. TR received 7.10.17. Response due 09.8.17. TR found 

sufficient 8.1.17. ON HOLD. 

Discussion doc 

On hold

Nutrient Vitamins 

and Minerals -

annotation change

TC 2011 NOSB recommendation DHA

2011 NOSB recommendation ARA

Pending NOP Approval. Approved for addition to the work 

agenda 1.12.16. ON HOLD pending NOP action. 

TBD

*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote
2022 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2019, Summary: Spr 2020, Review: Fall 2020

Substance National 

List §

Con

tact

TR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Target 

meeting

Kaolin 205.605(a) LD N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 Summary: 

Spr 2020

Review: 

Fall 2020

Sodium bicarbonate 205.605(a) SE N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.19.19 “

Waxes—nonsynthetic 

(Wood resin)

205.605(a) LD N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 “

Ammonium 

bicarbonate—for use 

only as a leavening 

agent

205.605(b) SE N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

11.19.19 “

Ammonium 

carbonate—for use only 

as a leavening agent

205.605(b) SE N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

11.19.19 “

Calcium phosphates 

(monobasic, dibasic, 

and tribasic)

205.605(b) TC N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2016 TR for Phosphates

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 “

Ozone 205.605(b) SR N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.7.20 “

Sodium hydroxide—

prohibited for use in lye 

peeling of fruits and 

vegetables

205.605(b) HB Y Sunset date 3/15/2022

TAP: 1995

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.17.19 “

Carnauba wax 205.606 LD N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

 

12.3.19
Colors (18)

Beet juice extract color; 

Beta-carotene extract 

color; 

Black currant juice 

color; 

Black/purple carrot 

juice color;

Blueberry juice color;

Carrot juice color;

Cherry juice color;

Chokeberry, aronia juice 

color;

Elderberry juice color;

Grape juice color;

Grape skin extract color;

Paprika color;

Pumpkin juice color;

Purple sweet potato 

juice color;

Red cabbage extract 

color;

Red radish extract color;

Saffron extract color;

Turmeric extract color

205.606 TCN Sunset date: 

Beta carotene 5/29/2023; 

All others 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.17.19

Glycerin (CAS # 56-81-5) TCN Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2013 TR

/ 

 

12.17.19

Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (IOE) (CAS # 

9005-80-5)

205.606 TCN Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

12.3.19“

Kelp—for use only as a 

thickener and dietary 

supplement

205.606 ARBN Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.21.19“

Orange shellac-

unbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 HBN Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.17.19“

Cornstarch (native) 205.606 ABN Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.21.20“

Sweet potato starch—

for bean thread 

production only.

205.606 ABN Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.21.20“

Turkish bay leaves 205.606 SRN Sunset date 6/27/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

12.17.19“
Whey protein 

concentrate

205.606 ARB N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

1.21.19 “

Spring 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Nov 15, 2019

NOSB - Spring 2020 proposals due to NOP Feb 20, 2020

New NOSB member training Feb 25 - 26, 2020

NOP - Draft Spring 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 2, 2020

NOP - Post proposals Mar 5, 2020

Public comment closes Apr 3, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 7, 2020

Public comment webinars Apr 21 & 23, 2020

Spring 2020 NOSB meeting - Crystal City, VA Apr 28 - May 1, 2020