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, December 17, 2019 1:00 pm ET

Present: Asa Bradman (AB), Chair; Steve Ela (SE); Scott Rice (SR); Harriet Behar (HB); Tom Chapman (TC); 

Lisa de Lima (LD), Vice Chair; Jerry D’Amore (JD) - observer; Steve Ela (SE)

Absent: A-dae Briones (ARB)

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

Agenda

• December 3 notes

• 2022 Sunsets: Orange shellac (HB) - discuss

• 2022 Sunsets: Sodium hydroxide (HB) - discuss

• 2022 Sunsets: Colors (18) (TC) - discuss

• 2022 Sunsets: Glycerin (TC) - discuss

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

• Ion exchange draft discussion document

• Thoughts on 205.606 (HB)

• Other

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from December 3 accepted with minor revisions by the Chair. 

• 2022 Sunsets: Orange shellac (HB). The lead summarized the review of orange shellac. A member

asked about plasticizers, which another member noted would not be allowed in organic production. 

• 2022 Sunsets: Sodium hydroxide (HB). The lead summarized the review, uses of sodium hydroxide,

and the last TR. Sodium hydroxide is annotated on 205.605(b).

• 2022 Sunsets: Colors (18) (TC). The lead summarized the review, noting manufacturing techniques. 

The NOSB renewed all colors last time, but also recommended that future Boards take a critical 

look at each individual color to consider if any are now available in organic form. The group also 

discussed ancillary substances and barriers to producing organic forms. LD will add some 

information from commenters submitted during the last review. 

• 2022 Sunsets: Glycerin (TC). The lead summarized the use and manufacture of glycerin, and noted 

that it was reclassified during the last review. 

• 2022 Sunsets: Turkish bay leaves (SR). The lead summarized the review and noted that the NOSB 

had previously recommended removal during the last sunset review. The NOP received comments 

during the proposed rule phase and determined that it should remain on the list. The manufacturer 

who commented on the proposed rule provided substantive reason for why it should remain on 

the list. The lead will add information from the comment to this current review. 

• Ion exchange draft discussion document (HB/SE/SR). HB will transition this work to SE and SR 

before she rotates off the NOSB in January. Deferred to next call.

• Thoughts on 205.606 (HB). Deferred to next call.

• Other items. None

• The meeting was adjourned. 

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

December 3, 2019 

2022 Sunsets: Kaolin (LD) - discuss

2022 Sunsets: Waxes (Wood resin) (LD) - discuss

2022 Sunsets: Carnauba wax (LD) - discuss

2022 Sunsets: Calcium phosphates (monobasic, dibasic, and tribasic) (TC) - discuss

2022 Sunsets: Inulin-oligofructose enriched (TC) - discuss

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

2022 Sunsets: Kelp (ARB) - discuss

2022 Sunsets: Whey protein concentrate (ARB) - discuss

Fish oil discussion document (TC)

Ion exchange draft discussion document (SE/SR) – discuss

L-Malic acid reclassification

Research priorities - discuss discussion document

Thoughts on 205.606 (HB).

January 21, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Cornstarch (AB) - discuss

2022 Sunsets: Sweet potato starch (AB) – discuss

Research priorities - discuss discussion document

February 4, 2020

February 18, 2020

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

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

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 1.7.20

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.

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. 

Spr 2020

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Jan 2020. 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 “

Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (IOE) (CAS # 

9005-80-5)

205.606 TC 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

1.7.19 “

Orange shellacunbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 HB 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

1.21.20 “
Sweet potato starch—

for bean thread 

production only.

205.606 AB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.21.20 “

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

1.7.19 “

Carnauba wax 205.606 LD 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;

Red radish extract color;

Saffron extract color;

Turmeric extract color

205.606 TC N 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) TC N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2013 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2015/Spring - Rec to RECLASSIFY

12.17.19
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, December 3, 2019 1:00 pm ET

Present: Asa Bradman (AB), Chair; Steve Ela (SE); Scott Rice (SR); Lisa de Lima (LD), Vice Chair; Harriet Behar 

(HB); Jesse Buie (JB), observing

Absent: Tom Chapman (TC); A-dae Briones (ARB)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA)

Agenda

• November 19 notes

• 2022 Sunsets: Kaolin (LD) - discuss

• 2022 Sunsets: Waxes (Wood resin) (LD) - discuss

• 2022 Sunsets: Carnauba wax (LD) - discuss

• 2022 Sunsets: Calcium phosphates (monobasic, dibasic, and tribasic) (TC) - discuss

• 2022 Sunsets: Inulin-oligofructose enriched (TC) - discuss

• Fish oil discussion document

• Update - Low acyl gellan gum questions

• Update - Red Jalapeno Pepper petition

• Other

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from November 19 were accepted as is. 

• 2022 Sunsets: Kaolin (LD). The Subcommittee discussed the review and given the sparse info 

included in the last review, is anticipating feedback from the public. A member noted that kaolin is 

listed on all the International processing lists. EU, Japan, Codex, IFOAM, and Canada. 

• 2022 Sunsets: Waxes (Wood resin) (LD). The Subcommittee discussed the review and TR, including 

the spelling of resin, which should read rosin. The NOSB previously recommended a correction, but 

it hasn’t been corrected. The HS added questions to the review for the public comment posting. AB 

will review solvents mentioned in the TR that are used in the manufacturing process: benzene, 

ketone solvent, solvent from terpene oil-rosin solutions, proprietary polar solvent, methanol, etc. .

• 2022 Sunsets: Carnauba wax (LD). Listed at 202.606. Used as a component in fruit coatings and as 

a processing aid, among other things. I was relisted during the last sunset review from 205.605 to 

205.606. Nineteen instances listed in the Organic Integrity Database. 

• 2022 Sunsets: Calcium phosphates (monobasic, dibasic, and tribasic) (TC). Last reviewed at 2015 

sunset. Used as leavening agent, most commonly used with sodium bicarbonate to make baking 

powder. Listed on all the International Standards, except the EU standards only list mono-basic 

form.

• 2022 Sunsets: Inulin-oligofructose enriched (TC). IOE generally used as sweetener, and binder. 

Used in dairy as probiotic and in baby food. The lead described the manufacturing process and 

ancillary substances. The NOSB recommended the removal of IOE at the last sunset review, 

however the NOP did not accept the recommendation, based in additional comment received 

during the proposed rule phase. 

• Fish oil discussion document. The group discussed this briefly, and one of the leads suggested 

engaging NOAA, otherwise it will be difficult to move this forward. The HS asked NOP for a contact 
at NOAA to discuss standards for fish oil, sustainability standards, and how this information might 

inform the discussion document. 

• Update - Low acyl gellan gum questions. SR will talk with DP.

• Update - Red Jalapeno Pepper petition. The NOSB already sent questions back to NOP to send to 

the petitioner. 

• Other. 

• The meeting was adjourned. 

Previous HS Notes 

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

November 19, 2019

Low acyl gellan gum (LD) - petition sufficiency

Red jalapeño pepper (SE) - petition sufficiency

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

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

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

December 3, 2019 

2022 Sunsets: Kaolin (LD) - discuss/vote 

2022 Sunsets: Waxes (Wood resin) (LD) - discuss/vote

2022 Sunsets: Carnauba wax (LD) - discuss/vote

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

2022 Sunsets: Inulin-oligofructose enriched (TC) - discuss/vote 

December 17, 2019

2022 Sunsets: Colors (18) (TC) - discuss/vote

2022 Sunsets: Glycerin (TC) - discuss/vote

2022 Sunsets: Sodium hydroxide (HB) - discuss/vote

2022 Sunsets: Orange shellac (HB) - discuss/vote 

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

January 7, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Ozone (SR) - discuss/vote 

2022 Sunsets: Kelp (ARB) - discuss/vote 

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

Fish oil discussion document (TC)

January 21, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Cornstarch (AB) - discuss/vote

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

February 4, 2020

February 18, 2020

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

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 

questions to petitioner 11.19.19. 

Waiting for response.

11.19.19 TBD

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. Will 

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.

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

Spr 2020

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Jul 2020. Fall 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 “

Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (CAS # 9005-

80-5)

205.606 TC 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

1.7.19 “

Orange shellacunbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 HB 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

1.21.20 “
Sweet potato starch—

for bean thread 

production only.

205.606 AB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.21.20 “

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

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

1.7.20 “

Whey protein 

concentrate

205.606 ARB N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

1.7.19 “

Carnauba wax 205.606 LD 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; 

Red radish extract color; 

Saffron extract color; 

Turmeric extract color

205.606 TC N 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) TC N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2013 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2015/Spring - Rec to RECLASSIFY

12.17.19
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, November 19, 2019 1:00 pm ET

Present: Asa Bradman (AB), Chair; Steve Ela (SE); Scott Rice (SR); Harriet Behar (HB); Jesse Buie (JB), 

observing (JB)

Absent: Lisa de Lima (LD), Vice Chair; Tom Chapman (TC); A-dae Briones (ARB); Michelle Arsenault (MA)

Staff: Devon Pattillo (DP)

Agenda

• November 5 notes

• Low acyl gellan gum (LD) - petition sufficiency

• Red jalapeño pepper (SE) - petition sufficiency

• 2022 Sunsets: Sodium bicarbonate(SE) - discuss

• 2022 Sunsets: Ammonium bicarbonate (SE) - discuss

• 2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (SE) - discuss

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from November 5 were accepted as is. 

• Low acyl gellan gum (LD). In the absence of LD, the Chair (AB) summarized the status of the 

subcommittee’s petition review, including questions the subcommittee discussed during the 

previous call. A list of questions will be sent to NOP who will pass to the petitioner. 

• Red jalapeño pepper (SE) - petition sufficiency. The lead (SE) summarized the petition and 

members discussed how to assess statements about whether adequate supply is available. The 

prevalence of organic jalapeño peppers (green) was noted and members questioned whether the 

petitioner had exhausted their options to source the ingredient. After discussion, members agreed 

the petition does not currently include sufficient justification. Questions for the petitioner will be 

sent to NOP who will pass to the petitioner. 

• 2022 Sunsets: Sodium bicarbonate(SE) - discuss/vote. The lead (SE) summarized uses of the

ingredient, its source, and impacts. Members did not note concerns. 

• 2022 Sunsets: Ammonium bicarbonate (SE) - discuss/vote. The lead (SE) summarized uses of the

ingredient, differences compared to sodium bicarbonate, its source, and environmental/health 

impacts. A member asked about other uses that would not be allowed under the annotation (as 

leaving agent) and suggested NOSB ask public to comment on other uses. 

• 2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (SE) - discuss/vote. The lead (SE) summarized uses of the

ingredient, differences compared to sodium bicarbonate and ammonium bicarbonate, and 

environmental/health impacts.

• Whey protein concentrate petition. The NOP received a petition to remove whey protein 

concentrate from the National List (205.606). NOP noted the petition was incomplete and was 

returned to the petitioner for more information. Members discussed the previous sunset review

and that NOP determined to not remove the ingredient (via notice and comment rulemaking). 

• The meeting was adjourned. 

Previous HS Notes

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

November 5, 2019
Low acyl gellan gum (LD) - petition sufficiency

Red jalapeño pepper - assign lead

November 19, 2019

Low acyl gellan gum (LD) - petition sufficiency

Red jalapeño pepper (SE) - petition sufficiency

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

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

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

December 3, 2019 

2022 Sunsets: Kaolin (LD) - discuss/vote

2022 Sunsets: Waxes (Wood resin) (LD) - discuss/vote

2022 Sunsets: Carnauba wax (LD) - discuss/vote

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

2022 Sunsets: Inulin-oligofructose enriched (TC) - discuss/vote

December 17, 2019

2022 Sunsets: Colors (18) (TC) - discuss/vote

2022 Sunsets: Glycerin (TC) - discuss/vote

2022 Sunsets: Sodium hydroxide (HB) - discuss/vote

2022 Sunsets: Orange shellac (HB) - discuss/vote

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

January 7, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Ozone (SR) - discuss/vote

2022 Sunsets: Kelp (ARB) - discuss/vote

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

January 21, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Cornstarch (AB) - discuss/vote

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

February 4, 2020

February 18, 2020

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

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

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.

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.

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

Spr 2020

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Jul 2020. Fall 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 “

Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (CAS # 9005-

80-5)

205.606 TC 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

1.7.19 “

Orange shellacunbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 HB 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

1.21.20 “
Sweet potato starch—

for bean thread 

production only.

205.606 AB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.21.20 “

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

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

1.7.20 “

Whey protein 

concentrate

205.606 ARB N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

1.7.19 “

Carnauba wax 205.606 LD 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;

Red radish extract color;

Saffron extract color;

Turmeric extract color

205.606 TC N 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) TC N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2013 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2015/Spring - Rec to RECLASSIFY

12.17.19
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, November 5, 2019 1:00 pm ET

Present: Asa Bradman (AB), Chair; Steve Ela (SE); Lisa de Lima (LD), Vice Chair; Scott Rice (SR); Harriet Behar 

(HB)

Absent: Tom Chapman (TC); A-dae Briones (ARB)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA)

Agenda

• October 1 notes

• Low acyl gellan gum (LD) - petition sufficiency

• Red jalapeño pepper - assign lead Additional items

• Fish Oil - update

• L Malic Acid update

• Fermentation Products

• Assign discussion dates for work agenda items

• Whey Protein Concentrate 

• Comments from Pittsburgh meeting

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from October 1 were accepted as is.

• Low acyl gellan gum (LD/SR). The lead summarized the petition and described the difference 

between the high acyl and low acyl forms. High acyl gellan gum is already on the National List. She 

also described the history of the earlier review and decision to add one and not the other, noting 

that both have the same CAS#. The HS noted a discrepancy in the petition regarding the NL section 

number. NOP will reach out to the petitioner to clarify that and a couple of other questions. 

Sufficiency will be deferred until a later call. SR will take over the review when LD rotates off the 

NOSB in January.

• Red jalapeño pepper. SE volunteered to lead this review.

• Fish Oil. HB will work on a discussion document with TC and AB.

• L Malic Acid. SR will prepare a discussion document for the Spring 2020 NOSB meeting.

• Fermentation Products. Several NOSB members discussed fermentation products at the Fall 

meeting, and determined that this may not be a project to undertake at this time. There are 

different types of fermentation, and the term fermentation is broad, and it is not clear how to 

move forward. The HS will discuss key questions and try to define a more focused scope. 

• Assigned discussion dates for work agenda items. See table and lists below.

• Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC). The NOP received a petition to remove WPC, and the HS will 

also be reviewing WPC for sunset. The Subcommittee may develop discussion document for Spring 

2020 meeting.

• Comments from Pittsburgh meeting. Deferred due to time. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

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

October 15, 2019 – cancelled. Conflicts with comment webinar
November 5, 2019

Low acyl gellan gum (LD) - petition sufficiency

Red jalapeño pepper - assign lead

November 19, 2019

Low acyl gellan gum (LD) - petition sufficiency

Red jalapeño pepper (SE) - petition sufficiency

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

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

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

December 3, 2019 

2022 Sunsets: Kaolin (LD) - discuss/vote

2022 Sunsets: Waxes (Wood resin) (LD) - discuss/vote

2022 Sunsets: Carnauba wax (LD) - discuss/vote

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

2022 Sunsets: Inulin-oligofructose enriched (TC) - discuss/vote

December 17, 2019

2022 Sunsets: Colors (18) (TC) - discuss/vote

2022 Sunsets: Glycerin (TC) - discuss/vote

2022 Sunsets: Sodium hydroxide (HB) - discuss/vote

2022 Sunsets: Orange shellac (HB) - discuss/vote

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

January 7, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Ozone (SR) - discuss/vote

2022 Sunsets: Kelp (ARB) - discuss/vote

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

January 21, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Cornstarch (AB) - discuss/vote

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

February 4, 2020

February 18, 2020

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

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

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.

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.

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

Spr 2020

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Jul 2020. Fall 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 “

Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (CAS # 9005-

80-5)

205.606 TC 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

1.7.19 “

Orange shellacunbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 HB 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

1.21.20 “
Sweet potato starch—

for bean thread 

production only.

205.606 AB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.21.20 “

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

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

1.7.20 “

Whey protein 

concentrate

205.606 ARB N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

1.7.19 “

Carnauba wax 205.606 LD 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;

Red radish extract color;

Saffron extract color;

Turmeric extract color

205.606 TC N 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) TC N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2013 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2015/Spring - Rec to RECLASSIFY

12.17.19
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, October 1, 2019 1:00 pm ET

Present: Asa Bradman (AB), Chair; Harriet Behar (HB); Steve Ela (SE); Tom Chapman (TC); 

Absent: Lisa de Lima (LD), Vice Chair; Scott Rice (SR); A-dae Briones (ARB)

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

Agenda

• September 17 notes

• Products of Fermentation - Materials vs Handling Committee

• Additional items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from September 17 were accepted as is.

• Products of Fermentation - Materials vs Handling Committee. A member asked for clarification 

about the goal of this project, what problem(s) it is trying to solve, and whether the topic is broader 

than fermentation products. The lead summarized some previous conversations around 

fermentation. Another member suggested that the work might clarify classification and criteria. 

Members discussed if this topic includes broader questions that also apply to crop/livestock inputs 

(source materials, excluded methods, etc.). A member noted the existing decision trees (NOP 5033-

1 and NOP 5033-2) address fermentation. The group intends on discussing this further at the Fall 

meeting in Pittsburgh to articulate the issue(s).

• Additional items. 

o NOP provided links to information from the prior rulemaking to add gellan gum to the 

National List, which includes background on why low-acyl forms of gellan gum were 

excluded from the current listing. The information was provided in response to a question 

posed by the HS during their last call. High acyl gellan gum is on the NL, but low acyl is not, 

and was recently petitioned for addition. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

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

September 17, 2019

L-Malic Acid reclassification

Ion exchange filtration 

Fish oil annotation

Nutrient Vitamins and Minerals - summary of history and NOSB actions

October 1, 2019 

Products of Fermentation - Materials vs Handling Committee.

October 15, 2019

November 5, 2019 

November 19, 2019

December 3, 2019 

December 17, 2019
Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Cont

act

Doc type Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target 

meeting

Low acyl gellan gum 205.605 LD Petition sent to HS 09 17 19. 

Sufficiency due 11 15 19.

2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Voted

Target 

meeting

Alginic acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 19 Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Calcium chloride 205.605(a) TC N 1995 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19 “

Citric acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 19 “

Dairy cultures 205.605(a) SE N 1995 TAP

2014 TR for microorganisms

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 19

06 18 19

“

Enzymes 205.605(a) SE N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 19 “

Lactic acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 19 “

L-Malic acid 205.605(a) SR Y 2003 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec. TR sent to HS 03 20 19. TR 

Suff due 05 17 19. TR found 

sufficient 06 04 19

06 04 19

07 16 19

08 06 19

“

Magnesium sulfate 205.605(a) SR N 2011 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 19 “

Microorganisms 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 19 “

Perlite 205.605(a) SR N 1996 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 19 “
Potassium iodide 205.605(a) TC N 2011 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19 “

Yeast 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 19 “

Activated charcoal 205.605(b) SR N 2002 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 19 “

Ascorbic acid 205.605(b) SR Y 1995 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec. Revised TR due 03/2019. TR

sent to HS 04 04 19. Sufficiency 

due 06 03 19. CS sent additional 

questions to NOP 06 18 19. 

Response to questions sent to HS. 

TR found sufficient 08 06 19

06 18 19

08 06 19

“

Calcium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 19 “

Ferrous sulfate 205.605(b) TC N 1995 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19 “

Hydrogen peroxide 205.605(b) AB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops)

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 19 “

Nutrient vitamins 

and minerals

205.605(b) TC N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19 “

Peracetic acid 205.605(b) AB N 2016 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 19 “

Potassium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 19 “

Potassium 

phosphate

205.605(b) TC N 1995 TAP

Phosphates TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19 “

Sodium acid 

pyrophosphate

205.605(b) SR N 2001 TAP

2010 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 19 “

Sodium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 19 “

Tocopherols 205.605(b) AB N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 19 “
Celery powder 205.606 AB Y. 

hosted 

panel 

instead

TR: None

2015 NOSB Recommendation

HS requested TR 05 15 18. TR was 

not contracted. The NOSB hosted 

a panel in its place. 

06 04 19 “

Fish oil 205.606 TC N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19

08 06 19

“

Gelatin 205.606 ARB Y 2002 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation

2019 TR Collagen Gel, Gelatin, and 

Casings

HS requested TR 05 15 18 -

combined with collagen gel and 

casings. TR sent to HS 01 30 2019. 

TR found sufficient 02 05 19

07 16 19 “

Orange pulp, dried 205.606 ARB N TR: None

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 19 “

Seaweed, Pacific 

kombu

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2015 NOSB Recommendation

08 14 19

via email

“

Seaweed, Wakame 

(Undaria 

pinnatifida)

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2015 NOSB Recommendation

08 14 19

via email

“

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Target 

meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development, expected mid-Sep -

delayed. TR received 9/30/16. In review by the program. TR sent 

to HS 10 19 16. TR sufficiency due 12 20 16. TR found insufficient 

12 20 16. Vote: 02 21 17. New TR in development. Expected July 

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

sufficient 08 01 17. ON HOLD. 

Discussion doc 

TBD

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 01 12 16. ON HOLD pending NOP action. 

TBD

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2019. Fall 2019

Fish oil annotation TC, HB, 

AB

Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. Approved by 

NOP 08 06 19.

Spr 2020

L-Malic acid

reclassification

TC/SR? Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. Approved by 

NOP 08 06 19.

Spr 2020

Ion exchange 

filtration

SE/SR NOP memo sent to NOSB 08 27 19. TR requested 09 03 19. TR 

due in ~ mid-January 2020.

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

Fall 2019 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

New NOSB member training TBD Feb/Mar 2020

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 3, 2019

NOSB Request for TRs for 2022 sunset materials Jun 12, 2019

NOP - Draft Fall 2019 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 5, 2018

NOSB - Fall 2019 proposals due to NOP Aug 15, 2018

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 4, 2018

Public comment closes Oct 3, 2019

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 7, 2019

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 14, 2019

Public comment webinars Oct 15 & 17, 2019

Fall 2019 NOSB meeting - Pittsburgh, PA Oct 23-25, 2019
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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“

Waxes—nonsynthetic 

(Wood resin)

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

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

“

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

“

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

“

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

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

“

Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (CAS # 9005-

80-5)

205.606 TC N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

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

“

Orange shellacunbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 HB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“
Sweet potato starch

—

for bean thread 

production only.

205.606 ABN Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Turkish bay leaves 205.606 SRN Sunset date 6/27/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

Whey protein 

concentrate

205.606 ARBN Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

Carnauba wax 205.606 LDN 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; 

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

Glycerin (CAS # 56-81-5) TC

N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2013 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2015/Spring - Rec to RECLASSIFY
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, September 17, 2019 1:00 pm ET

Present: Asa Bradman (AB), Chair; Lisa de Lima (LD), Vice Chair; Harriet Behar (HB); Scott Rice (SR); Steve 

Ela (SE); Tom Chapman (TC)

Absent: A-dae Briones (ARB) 

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

Agenda

• September 3 notes

• L-Malic Acid reclassification

• Ion exchange filtration 

• Fish oil annotation

• Nutrient Vitamins and Minerals - summary of history and NOSB actions

• Low acyl gellan gum petition - sufficiency and need for TR

• Products of Fermentation - Materials vs Handling Committee

• Additional items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from September 3 were approved as is.

• L-Malic Acid reclassification. The Chair confirmed that SR will lead this project. 

• Ion exchange filtration. The TR request is in development and the NOP expects it could be 

completed by mid-January.

• Fish oil annotation. Several members of the Handling Subcommittee will develop a discussion 

document for the Spring NOSB meeting, and will begin work after the completion of the Fall 2019 

meeting. 

• Nutrient Vitamins and Minerals (NVM) - summary of history and NOSB actions. Members 

discussed the history and noted the current status of the listing for nutrient vitamins and minerals, 

as well as unresolved issues. During a previous review it was determined that changes would create 

a significant economic impact. The summary, which was incorporated into the sunset review for the 

Fall 2019 NOSB meeting, is intended to preserve institutional memory for future NOSB reviews.

• Low acyl gellan gum petition. Petition received September 19. LD volunteered to complete the 

petition sufficiency and then the HS will pass this along to another member as LD will complete her 

term in January. A member asked why the current National List excludes low acyl gellan gum. The 

NOP noted the 2008 NOSB recommendation includes some information. NOP will relay additional 

background to HS. The Subcommittee will work on this after the Fall 2019 meeting.

• Products of Fermentation - Materials vs Handling Committee. The group discussed the most 

appropriate Subcommittee to undertake this work, and determined that it fits best in Handling.

Members will discuss this more on a later call. A member noted that this could also help inform the 

review of NVM. 

• Additional items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 ET)
September 3, 2019

Nutrient Vitamins and Minerals - summary of history and NOSB actions

Fish oil annotation

L-Malic Acid reclassification

September 17, 2019

L-Malic Acid reclassification

Ion exchange filtration 

Fish oil annotation

Nutrient Vitamins and Minerals - summary of history and NOSB actions

October 1, 2019 

Products of Fermentation - Materials vs Handling Committee.

October 15, 2019

November 5, 2019 

November 19, 2019

December 3, 2019 

December 17, 2019

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Cont

act

Doc type Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target 

meeting

Low acyl gellan gum 205.605 LD Petition sent to HS 09 17 19. 

Sufficiency due 11 15 19.

2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Voted

Target 

meeting

Alginic acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 19 Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Calcium chloride 205.605(a) TC N 1995 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19 “

Citric acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 19 “

Dairy cultures 205.605(a) SE N 1995 TAP

2014 TR for microorganisms

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 19

06 18 19

“

Enzymes 205.605(a) SE N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 19 “

Lactic acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 19 “
L-Malic acid 205.605(a) SR Y 2003 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec. TR sent to HS 03 20 19. TR 

Suff due 05 17 19. TR found 

sufficient 06 04 19

06 04 19

07 16 19

08 06 19

“

Magnesium sulfate 205.605(a) SR N 2011 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 19 “

Microorganisms 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 19 “

Perlite 205.605(a) SR N 1996 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 19 “

Potassium iodide 205.605(a) TC N 2011 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19 “

Yeast 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 19 “

Activated charcoal 205.605(b) SR N 2002 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 19 “

Ascorbic acid 205.605(b) SR Y 1995 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec. Revised TR due 03/2019. TR

sent to HS 04 04 19. Sufficiency 

due 06 03 19. CS sent additional 

questions to NOP 06 18 19. 

Response to questions sent to HS. 

TR found sufficient 08 06 19

06 18 19

08 06 19

“

Calcium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 19 “

Ferrous sulfate 205.605(b) TC N 1995 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19 “

Hydrogen peroxide 205.605(b) AB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops)

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 19 “

Nutrient vitamins 

and minerals

205.605(b) TC N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19 “

Peracetic acid 205.605(b) AB N 2016 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 19 “

Potassium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 19 “

Potassium 

phosphate

205.605(b) TC N 1995 TAP

Phosphates TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19 “
Sodium acid 

pyrophosphate

205.605(b) SR N 2001 TAP

2010 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 19 “

Sodium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 19 “

Tocopherols 205.605(b) AB N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 19 “

Celery powder 205.606 AB Y. 

hosted 

panel 

instead

TR: None

2015 NOSB Recommendation

HS requested TR 05 15 18. TR was 

not contracted. The NOSB hosted 

a panel in its place. 

06 04 19 “

Fish oil 205.606 TC N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19

08 06 19

“

Gelatin 205.606 ARB Y 2002 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation

2019 TR Collagen Gel, Gelatin, and 

Casings

HS requested TR 05 15 18 -

combined with collagen gel and 

casings. TR sent to HS 01 30 2019. 

TR found sufficient 02 05 19

07 16 19 “

Orange pulp, dried 205.606 ARB N TR: None

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 19 “

Seaweed, Pacific 

kombu

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2015 NOSB Recommendation

08 14 19

via email

“

Seaweed, Wakame 

(Undaria 

pinnatifida)

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2015 NOSB Recommendation

08 14 19

via email

“

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Target 

meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development, expected mid-Sep -

delayed. TR received 9/30/16. In review by the program. TR sent 

to HS 10 19 16. TR sufficiency due 12 20 16. TR found insufficient 

12 20 16. Vote: 02 21 17. New TR in development. Expected July 

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

sufficient 08 01 17. ON HOLD. 

Discussion doc 

TBD

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 01 12 16. ON HOLD pending NOP action. 

TBD
Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2019. Fall 2019

Fish oil annotation TC, HB, 

AB

Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. Approved by 

NOP 08 06 19.

Spr 2020

L-Malic acid

reclassification

TC/SR? Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. Approved by 

NOP 08 06 19.

Spr 2020

Ion exchange 

filtration

SE/SR NOP memo sent to NOSB 08 27 19. TR requested 09 03 19. TR 

due in ~ mid-January 2020.

TBD

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

Fall 2019 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

New NOSB member training TBD Feb/Mar 2020

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 3, 2019

NOSB Request for TRs for 2022 sunset materials Jun 12, 2019

NOP - Draft Fall 2019 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 5, 2018

NOSB - Fall 2019 proposals due to NOP Aug 15, 2018

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 4, 2018

Public comment closes Oct 3, 2019

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 7, 2019

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 14, 2019

Public comment webinars Oct 15 & 17, 2019

Fall 2019 NOSB meeting - Pittsburgh, PA Oct 23-25, 2019
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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“

Waxes—nonsynthetic 

(Wood resin)

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

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

“

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

“

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

“

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

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

“

Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (CAS # 9005-

80-5)

205.606 TC N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

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

“

Orange shellacunbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 HB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“
Sweet potato starch

—

for bean thread 

production only.

205.606 ABN Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Turkish bay leaves 205.606 SRN Sunset date 6/27/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

Whey protein 

concentrate

205.606 ARBN Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

Carnauba wax 205.606 LDN 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; 

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

Glycerin (CAS # 56-81-5) TC

N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2013 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2015/Spring - Rec to RECLASSIFY
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, September 3, 2019 1:00 pm ET

Present: Asa Bradman (AB), Chair; Lisa de Lima (LD), Vice Chair; Harriet Behar (HB); Steve Ela (SE) 

Absent: Scott Rice (SR); Tom Chapman (TC); A-dae Briones (ARB)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Devon Pattillo (DP); Paul Lewis (PL)

Agenda

• August 6 notes

• Update from Exec Comm meeting

• Nutrient Vitamins and Minerals - summary of history and NOSB actions

• L-Malic acid reclassification (TR) - discuss

• Fish Oil annotation (TC) - discuss

• Ion exchange filtration

• Additional items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from August 6 were approved as written.

• Update from Executive Committee meeting. A member gave a brief summary of the Handling 

update presented at the last Executive call. 

• Nutrient Vitamins and Minerals - summary of history and NOSB actions. Discussion deferred to 

next call. 

• L-Malic acid reclassification (SR). The reclassification of L-Malic acid was approved as a work 

agenda item by the NOP on August 6. The HS feels it is straight forward and will develop a proposal 

for the Spring 2020 meeting.

• Fish Oil annotation (TC). A member briefly summarized comments, both from stakeholders and 

NOSB members regarding fish oil. Another member suggested that the lead write a draft document

prior to the Fall meeting, so the rest of the NOSB members have a chance to discuss it. 

• Ion exchange filtration. The group discussed ion exchange filtration, specifically whether or not

resins are interactive or if they are solely a food contact surface. The Chair emphasized that if the 

contact causes a chemical change, then they may be considered processing aids. The group 

discussed the distinction between resins and “recharge materials”, noting that resins are 

considered food contact materials and are not required to be on the National List (NL). Recharge 

materials, such as sodium hydroxide, are on the National List, but are not specifically annotated to 

indicated that. The Handling Subcommittee discussed questions for the Technical Report request. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

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

August 6, 2019 - Last call before proposals are due

2021 Sunsets: Ascorbic acid (SR) - discuss TR/vote

2021 Sunsets: L-Malic acid (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Fish Oil (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Pacific kombu (ARB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) (ARB) - discuss/vote
August 20, 2019 - cancelled

Nutrient Vitamins and Minerals - summary of history and NOSB actions

Fish oil annotation

L-Malic Acid reclassification

September 3, 2019

Nutrient Vitamins and Minerals - summary of history and NOSB actions

Fish oil annotation

L-Malic Acid reclassification

September 17, 2019

L-Malic Acid reclassification

Ion exchange filtration 

Fish oil annotation

Nutrient Vitamins and Minerals - summary of history and NOSB actions

October 1, 2019 

October 15, 2019

November 5, 2019 

November 19, 2019

December 3, 2019 

December 17, 2019

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Cont

act

Doc type Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target 

meeting

2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Voted

Target 

meeting

Alginic acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 19 Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Calcium chloride 205.605(a) TC N 1995 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19 “

Citric acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 19 “
Dairy cultures 205.605(a) SE N 1995 TAP

2014 TR for microorganisms

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 19

06 18 19

“

Enzymes 205.605(a) SE N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 19 “

Lactic acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 19 “

L-Malic acid 205.605(a) SR Y 2003 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec. TR sent to HS 03 20 19. TR 

Suff due 05 17 19. TR found 

sufficient 06 04 19

06 04 19

07 16 19

08 06 19

“

Magnesium sulfate 205.605(a) SR N 2011 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 19 “

Microorganisms 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 19 “

Perlite 205.605(a) SR N 1996 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 19 “

Potassium iodide 205.605(a) TC N 2011 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19 “

Yeast 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 19 “

Activated charcoal 205.605(b) SR N 2002 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 19 “

Ascorbic acid 205.605(b) SR Y 1995 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec. Revised TR due 03/2019. TR

sent to HS 04 04 19. Sufficiency 

due 06 03 19. CS sent additional 

questions to NOP 06 18 19. 

Response to questions sent to HS. 

TR found sufficient 08 06 19

06 18 19

08 06 19

“

Calcium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 19 “

Ferrous sulfate 205.605(b) TC N 1995 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19 “

Hydrogen peroxide 205.605(b) AB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops)

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 19 “

Nutrient vitamins 

and minerals

205.605(b) TC N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19 “
Peracetic acid 205.605(b) AB N 2016 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 19 “

Potassium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 19 “

Potassium 

phosphate

205.605(b) TC N 1995 TAP

Phosphates TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19 “

Sodium acid 

pyrophosphate

205.605(b) SR N 2001 TAP

2010 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 19 “

Sodium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 19 “

Tocopherols 205.605(b) AB N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 19 “

Celery powder 205.606 AB Y. 

hosted 

panel 

instead

TR: None

2015 NOSB Recommendation

HS requested TR 05 15 18. TR was 

not contracted. The NOSB hosted 

a panel in its place. 

06 04 19 “

Fish oil 205.606 TC N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19

08 06 19

“

Gelatin 205.606 ARB Y 2002 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation

2019 TR Collagen Gel, Gelatin, and 

Casings

HS requested TR 05 15 18 -

combined with collagen gel and 

casings. TR sent to HS 01 30 2019. 

TR found sufficient 02 05 19

07 16 19 “

Orange pulp, dried 205.606 ARB N TR: None

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 19 “

Seaweed, Pacific 

kombu

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2015 NOSB Recommendation

08 14 19

via email

“

Seaweed, Wakame 

(Undaria 

pinnatifida)

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2015 NOSB Recommendation

08 14 19

via email

“

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Target 

meeting
Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development, expected mid-Sep -

delayed. TR received 9/30/16. In review by the program. TR sent 

to HS 10 19 16. TR sufficiency due 12 20 16. TR found insufficient 

12 20 16. Vote: 02 21 17. New TR in development. Expected July 

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

sufficient 08 01 17. ON HOLD. 

Discussion doc 

TBD

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 01 12 16. ON HOLD pending NOP action. 

TBD

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2019. Fall 2019

Fish oil annotation TC + 

(HB/AB)?

Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. Approved by 

NOP 08 06 19.

Spr 2020

L-Malic acid

reclassification

TC/SR? Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. Approved by 

NOP 08 06 19.

Spr 2020

Ion exchange 

filtration

NOP memo sent to NOSB 08 27 19. TR requested 09 03 19. TBD

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

Fall 2019 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

New NOSB member training TBD Feb/Mar 2020

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 3, 2019

NOSB Request for TRs for 2022 sunset materials Jun 12, 2019

NOP - Draft Fall 2019 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 5, 2018

NOSB - Fall 2019 proposals due to NOP Aug 15, 2018

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 4, 2018

Public comment closes Oct 3, 2019

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 7, 2019

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 14, 2019

Public comment webinars Oct 15 & 17, 2019

Fall 2019 NOSB meeting - Pittsburgh, PA Oct 23-25, 2019
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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“

Waxes—nonsynthetic 

(Wood resin)

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

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

“

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

“

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

“

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

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

“

Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (CAS # 9005-

80-5)

205.606 TC N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

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

“

Orange shellacunbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 HB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“
Sweet potato starch

—

for bean thread 

production only.

205.606 ABN Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Turkish bay leaves 205.606 SRN Sunset date 6/27/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

Whey protein 

concentrate

205.606 ARBN Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

Carnauba wax 205.606 LDN 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; 

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

Glycerin (CAS # 56-81-5) TC

N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2013 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2015/Spring - Rec to RECLASSIFY
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, August 6, 2019 1:00 pm ET

Present: Lisa de Lima (LD), Vice Chair; Scott Rice, (SR); Harriet Behar (HB); Steve Ela (SE); Tom Chapman (TC)

Absent: Asa Bradman (AB), Chair; A-dae Briones (ARB)

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

Agenda

• July 16 notes

• 2021 Sunsets: Ascorbic acid (SR) - discuss TR/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: L-Malic acid (SR) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Fish Oil (TC) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Pacific kombu (ARB) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) (ARB) - discuss/vote

• Additional items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from July 16 were accepted as is.

• 2021 Sunsets: Ascorbic acid (SR). The TR was found thorough and sufficient, and the lead noted

that it did not introduce any new information that would cause the NOSB to remove it from the list.

The lead summarized the uses, alternatives, and previous public comment. A member noted that

there are alternative acids on the list, however they do not provide identical functional properties.

Motion to remove ascorbic acid from the National List

Motion by: SR

Seconded by: HB

Additional discussion: None

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

• 2021 Sunsets: L-malic acid (SR). Members discussed the review and a member’s question about the

use of petroleum in one of the two manufacturing processes for synthetically produced L-Malic

Acid. The TR does not answer this question. The HS determined that the amount is insignificant.

Motion to remove L-malic acid from the National List

Motion by: SR

Seconded by: TC

Additional discussion: None

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

• 2021 Sunsets: Fish Oil (TC). The members discussed the separate request to work on an annotation

for fish oil to address over-exploitation. The NOP approved the request this week and the HS will

proceed with its review. The lead will add a sentence to the sunset review about the approval of

the work agenda request and forward the document to the NOP.
Motion to remove fish oil from the National List

Motion by: TC

Seconded by: SR

Additional discussion: None

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

• 2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Pacific kombu (ARB). Deferred. Vote will be conducted via email. MA will 

contact the lead and request documents.

Motion to remove Seaweed, Pacific kombu from the National List

Motion by: Asa Bradman

Seconded by: Steve Ela

Additional discussion: None

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

• 2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) (ARB). Deferred. Vote will be conducted 

via email. MA will contact the lead and request documents.

Motion to remove Seaweed, Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) from the National List

Motion by: Asa Bradman 

Seconded by: Steve Ela

Additional discussion: None

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

• Research Priorities. The HS briefly discussed the research priorities and will send the completed list 

to the Materials Subcommittee.

• Additional items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

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

July 16, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Gelatin (ARB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Orange pulp, dried (ARB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: L-Malic acid (SR) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Magnesium sulfate (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Perlite (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Activated charcoal (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Sodium acid pyrophosphate (SR) - discuss/vote

August 6, 2019 - Last call before proposals are due

2021 Sunsets: Ascorbic acid (SR) - discuss TR/vote

2021 Sunsets: L-Malic acid (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Fish Oil (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Pacific kombu (ARB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) (ARB) - discuss/vote

August 20, 2019

Nutrient Vitamins and Minerals - summary of history and NOSB actions

L-Malic acid reclassification (TR) - discuss

Fish Oil annotation (TC) - discuss

September 3, 2019 

September 17, 2019
October 1, 2019 

October 15, 2019

November 5, 2019 

November 19, 2019

December 3, 2019 

December 17, 2019

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Cont

act

Doc type Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target 

meeting

2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Voted

Target 

meeting

Alginic acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 19 Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Calcium chloride 205.605(a) TC N 1995 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19 “

Citric acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 19 “

Dairy cultures 205.605(a) SE N 1995 TAP

2014 TR for microorganisms

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 19

06 18 19

“

Enzymes 205.605(a) SE N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 19 “

Lactic acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 19 “

L-Malic acid 205.605(a) SR Y 2003 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec. TR sent to HS 03 20 19. TR 

Suff due 05 17 19. TR found 

sufficient 06 04 19

06 04 19

07 16 19

08 06 19

“

Magnesium sulfate 205.605(a) SR N 2011 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 19 “
Microorganisms 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 19 “

Perlite 205.605(a) SR N 1996 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 19 “

Potassium iodide 205.605(a) TC N 2011 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19 “

Yeast 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 19 “

Activated charcoal 205.605(b) SR N 2002 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 19 “

Ascorbic acid 205.605(b) SR Y 1995 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec. Revised TR due 03/2019. TR

sent to HS 04 04 19. Sufficiency 

due 06 03 19. CS sent additional 

questions to NOP 06 18 19. 

Response to questions sent to HS. 

TR found sufficient 08 06 19

06 18 19

08 06 19

“

Calcium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 19 “

Ferrous sulfate 205.605(b) TC N 1995 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19 “

Hydrogen peroxide 205.605(b) AB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops)

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 19 “

Nutrient vitamins 

and minerals

205.605(b) TC N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19 “

Peracetic acid 205.605(b) AB N 2016 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 19 “

Potassium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 19 “

Potassium 

phosphate

205.605(b) TC N 1995 TAP

Phosphates TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19 “

Sodium acid 

pyrophosphate

205.605(b) SR N 2001 TAP

2010 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 19 “

Sodium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 19 “

Tocopherols 205.605(b) AB N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 19 “
Celery powder 205.606 AB Y. 

hosted 

panel 

instead

TR: None

2015 NOSB Recommendation

HS requested TR 05 15 18. TR was 

not contracted. The NOSB hosted 

a panel in its place. 

06 04 19 “

Fish oil 205.606 TC N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19

08 06 19

“

Gelatin 205.606 ARB Y 2002 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation

2019 TR Collagen Gel, Gelatin, and 

Casings

HS requested TR 05 15 18 -

combined with collagen gel and 

casings. TR sent to HS 01 30 2019. 

TR found sufficient 02 05 19

07 16 19 “

Orange pulp, dried 205.606 ARB N TR: None

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 19 “

Seaweed, Pacific 

kombu

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2015 NOSB Recommendation

08 06 19 “

Seaweed, Wakame 

(Undaria 

pinnatifida)

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2015 NOSB Recommendation

08 06 19 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Target 

meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development, expected mid-Sep -

delayed. TR received 9/30/16. In review by the program. TR sent 

to HS 10 19 16. TR sufficiency due 12 20 16. TR found insufficient 

12 20 16. Vote: 02 21 17. New TR in development. Expected July 

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

sufficient 08 01 17. ON HOLD. 

Discussion doc 

TBD

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 01 12 16. ON HOLD pending NOP action. 

TBD

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2019. Fall 2019

Fish oil annotation TC Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. Approved for 

addition to work agenda 8.6.19

TBD

L-Malic Acid TC Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19. Approved for 

addition to work agenda 8.6.19

TBD

*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote
Fall 2019 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

New NOSB member training TBD Feb/Mar 2020

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 3, 2019

NOSB Request for TRs for 2022 sunset materials Jun 12, 2019

NOP - Draft Fall 2019 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 5, 2018

NOSB - Fall 2019 proposals due to NOP Aug 15, 2018

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 4, 2018

Public comment closes Oct 3, 2019

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 7, 2019

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 14, 2019

Public comment webinars Oct 15 & 17, 2019

Fall 2019 NOSB meeting - Pittsburgh, PA Oct 23-25, 2019
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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“

Waxes—nonsynthetic 

(Wood resin)

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

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

“

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

“

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

“

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

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

“

Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (CAS # 9005-

80-5)

205.606 TC N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

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

“

Orange shellacunbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 HB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“
Sweet potato starch

—

for bean thread 

production only.

205.606 ABN Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Turkish bay leaves 205.606 SRN Sunset date 6/27/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

Whey protein 

concentrate

205.606 ARBN Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

Carnauba wax 205.606 LDN 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; 

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

Glycerin (CAS # 56-81-5) TC

N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2013 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2015/Spring - Rec to RECLASSIFY
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, July 16, 2019 1:00 pm ET

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

Behar (HB); Jesse Buie (JB) - observer

Absent: A-dae Briones (ARB); Tom Chapman (TC)

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

Agenda

• July 2 notes

• 2021 Sunsets: L-Malic acid (SR) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Magnesium sulfate (SR) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Perlite (SR) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Activated charcoal (SR) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Sodium acid pyrophosphate (SR) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Gelatin (ARB) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Orange pulp, dried (ARB) - discuss/vote

• Additional items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from July 2 were approved as is.

• 2021 Sunsets: L-Malic acid (SR). The lead summarized the manufacture and uses of L-malic acid, 

which is used primarily in beverages. According to NOP Guidance 5033 and 5033-1 L-Malic acid is 

synthetic. The HS is seeking approval to add this to its work agenda to reclassify it. Until it is 

reclassified it will continue to be allowed. The lead will research some additional information

before the HS votes on it on the next call. 

• 2021 Sunsets: Magnesium sulfate (SR). Magnesium sulfate, mined, has a wide variety of uses in 

food processing and personal care products. It is used as a coagulant, and is considered GRAS. The 

lead discussed effects on human health (negligible) and environmental impacts, and noted the 

public comments received during the first posting in the Spring. 

Motion to remove magnesium sulfate at §205.605 

Motion by: SR

Seconded by: HB

Additional discussion: None

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

• 2021 Sunsets: Perlite (SR). The lead summarized the listing for perlite, including it’s uses. Perlite is 

mined and is a used as a filter aid in food processing. Stakeholders and previous Boards have 

supported relisting.

Motion to remove perlite at §205.605 

Motion by: SR

Seconded by: HB
Additional discussion: None

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

• 2021 Sunsets: Activated charcoal (SR). The lead summarized the listing for activated charcoal, 

including its uses as a filtering aid in food processing, as well as public comments from the Spring 

posting. 

Motion to remove activated charcoal at §205.605 

Motion by: SR

Seconded by: AB

Additional discussion: None

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

• 2021 Sunsets: Sodium acid pyrophosphate (SR). The lead summarized the substance which is used 

as a chemical leavener considered essential by manufacturers. There were several comments about 

phosphates in the human diet, and the lead noted that consumption of phosphates is not

considered an issue unless consumed in large quantities. A member noted that initially there was 

concern that when sodium acid pyrophosphate was added to the list there would be a glutton of 

phosphates also added, but the fears have not been borne out. 

Motion to remove sodium acid pyrophosphate at §205.605 

Motion by: SR

Seconded by: SE

Additional discussion: None

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

• 2021 Sunsets: Gelatin (HB). A member summarized the review for the lead, noting uses, sources, 

and international allowances. Gelatin is universally allowed.

Motion to remove gelatin at §205.606 

Motion by: HB

Seconded by: AB

Additional discussion: None

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

• 2021 Sunsets: Orange pulp, dried (HB). A member summarized the uses and manufacture of 

orange pulp, noting that it is made from conventionally produced oranges. The group discussed the 

sole source of orange pulp, and the lack of market incentive to produce it organically since it is on 

205.606.

Motion to remove orange pulp, dried at §205.606 

Motion by: HB

Seconded by: AB

Additional discussion: None

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

• Additional items. None

• The meeting was adjourned
Previous HS Notes

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

July 2, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Dairy cultures (SE) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Gelatin (ARB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Orange pulp, dried (ARB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Calcium chloride (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Potassium iodide (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Ferrous sulfate (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: NVM (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Potassium phosphate (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Fish Oil (TC) deferred

July 16, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Gelatin (ARB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Orange pulp, dried (ARB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: L-Malic acid (SR) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Magnesium sulfate (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Perlite (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Activated charcoal (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Sodium acid pyrophosphate (SR) - discuss/vote

August 6, 2019 - Last call before proposals are due

2021 Sunsets: Ascorbic acid (SR) - discuss TR/vote

2021 Sunsets: L-Malic acid (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Fish Oil (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Pacific kombu (ARB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) (ARB) - discuss/vote

August 20, 2019

Nutrient Vitamins and Minerals - summary of history and NOSB actions

September 3, 2019 

September 17, 2019

October 1, 2019 

October 15, 2019

November 5, 2019 

November 19, 2019

December 3, 2019 

December 17, 2019

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Cont

act

Doc type Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target 

meeting
2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Voted

Target 

meeting

Alginic acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 19 Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Calcium chloride 205.605(a) TC N 1995 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19 “

Citric acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 19 “

Dairy cultures 205.605(a) SE N 1995 TAP

2014 TR for microorganisms

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 19

06 18 19

“

Enzymes 205.605(a) SE N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 19 “

Lactic acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 19 “

L-Malic acid 205.605(a) SR Y 2003 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec. TR sent to HS 03 20 19. TR 

Suff due 05 17 19. TR found 

sufficient 06 04 19

06 04 19

07 16 19

08 06 19

“

Magnesium sulfate 205.605(a) SR N 2011 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 19 “

Microorganisms 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 19 “

Perlite 205.605(a) SR N 1996 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 19 “

Potassium iodide 205.605(a) TC N 2011 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19 “

Yeast 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 19 “

Activated charcoal 205.605(b) SR N 2002 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 19 “
Ascorbic acid 205.605(b) SR Y 1995 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec. Revised TR due 03/2019. TR

sent to HS 04 04 19. Sufficiency 

due 06 03 19. CS sent additional 

questions to NOP 06 18 19. 

Response to questions sent to HS 

06 18 19

08 06 19

“

Calcium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 19 “

Ferrous sulfate 205.605(b) TC N 1995 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19 “

Hydrogen peroxide 205.605(b) AB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops)

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 19 “

Nutrient vitamins 

and minerals

205.605(b) TC N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19 “

Peracetic acid 205.605(b) AB N 2016 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 19 “

Potassium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 19 “

Potassium 

phosphate

205.605(b) TC N 1995 TAP

Phosphates TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19 “

Sodium acid 

pyrophosphate

205.605(b) SR N 2001 TAP

2010 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 19 “

Sodium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 19 “

Tocopherols 205.605(b) AB N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 19 “

Celery powder 205.606 AB Y. 

hosted 

panel 

instead

TR: None

2015 NOSB Recommendation

HS requested TR 05 15 18. TR was 

not contracted. The NOSB hosted 

a panel in its place. 

06 04 19 “

Fish oil 205.606 TC N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 19

08 06 19

“
Gelatin 205.606 ARB Y 2002 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation

2019 TR Collagen Gel, Gelatin, and 

Casings

HS requested TR 05 15 18 -

combined with collagen gel and 

casings. TR sent to HS 01 30 2019. 

TR found sufficient 02 05 19

07 16 19 “

Orange pulp, dried 205.606 ARB N TR: None

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 19 “

Seaweed, Pacific 

kombu

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2015 NOSB Recommendation

08 06 19 “

Seaweed, Wakame 

(Undaria 

pinnatifida)

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2015 NOSB Recommendation

08 06 19 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Target 

meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development, expected mid-Sep -

delayed. TR received 9/30/16. In review by the program. TR sent 

to HS 10 19 16. TR sufficiency due 12 20 16. TR found insufficient 

12 20 16. Vote: 02 21 17. New TR in development. Expected July 

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

sufficient 08 01 17. ON HOLD. 

Discussion doc 

TBD

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 01 12 16. ON HOLD pending NOP action. 

TBD

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2019. Fall 2019

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

L-Malic Acid TC Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19 TBD

*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote
Fall 2019 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

New NOSB member training TBD Feb/Mar 2020

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 3, 2019

NOSB Request for TRs for 2022 sunset materials Jun 12, 2019

NOP - Draft Fall 2019 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 5, 2018

NOSB - Fall 2019 proposals due to NOP Aug 15, 2018

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 4, 2018

Public comment closes Oct 3, 2019

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 7, 2019

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 14, 2019

Public comment webinars Oct 15 & 17, 2019

Fall 2019 NOSB meeting - Pittsburgh, PA Oct 23-25, 2019
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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“

Waxes—nonsynthetic 

(Wood resin)

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

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

“

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

“

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

“

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

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

“

Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (CAS # 9005-

80-5)

205.606 TC N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

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

“

Orange shellacunbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 HB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“
Sweet potato starch

—

for bean thread 

production only.

205.606 ABN Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Turkish bay leaves 205.606 SRN Sunset date 6/27/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

Whey protein 

concentrate

205.606 ARBN Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

Carnauba wax 205.606 LDN 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; 

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

Glycerin (CAS # 56-81-5) TC

N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2013 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2015/Spring - Rec to RECLASSIFY
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, July 2, 2019 1:00 pm ET

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

Behar (HB); Tom Chapman (TC); Jesse Buie (JB) - observer

Absent: A-dae Briones (ARB)

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

Agenda

• June 18 notes

• 2021 Sunsets: Gelatin (ARB) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Orange pulp, dried (ARB) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Calcium chloride (TC) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Potassium iodide (TC) - discuss/vote 

• 2021 Sunsets: Ferrous sulfate (TC) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: NVM (TC) - discuss/vote 

• 2021 Sunsets: Potassium phosphate (TC) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Fish Oil (TC) - discuss/vote 

• Additional items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from June 18 were accepted with the addition of the vote summary for dairy cultures.

• 2021 Sunsets: Gelatin (ARB). Deferred to next call

• 2021 Sunsets: Orange pulp, dried (ARB). Deferred to next call

• 2021 Sunsets: Calcium chloride (TC). The lead summarized the review of calcium chloride, including 

the use and previous comments.

Motion to remove calcium chloride at §205.605

Motion by: TC

Seconded by: HB

Additional discussion: None

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

• 2021 Sunsets: Potassium iodide (TC). The lead summarized uses and applications, as well as public 

comment received in response to the questions from the first posting.

Motion to remove potassium iodide at §205.605(a)

Motion by: TC

Seconded by: SR

Additional discussion: None

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

• 2021 Sunsets: Ferrous sulfate (TC). The lead summarized uses and applications, as well as public 

comment received in response to the questions from the first posting. Commenters were 

supportive of relisting. 
Motion to remove ferrous sulfate at §205.605

Motion by: TC

Seconded by: AB

Additional discussion: The HS Chair emphasized that iron supplementation is viewed as beneficial 

to public health

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

• 2021 Sunsets: Nutrient Vitamins and Minerals (NVM) (TC). The lead summarized the substance, 

and the comments that were received in response to questions during the previous posting. The HS 

moved to a vote on the sunset review and then discussed the work agenda item for an annotation 

change, which is currently on hold pending NOP action. During a previous review the NOSB 

considered and approved most of the vitamins and minerals contained in this listing, and rejected 

~20% of them. This would have eliminated many infant formulas from organic certification. Since 

breastfeeding is not an option for everyone, and having an organic soy source is necessary, this 

would have eliminated that possibility. The HS is interested in writing a discussion document for the 

fall meeting to elicit additional discussion and to pass along the historical knowledge to future 

Boards. 

Motion to remove NVM at §205.605(b)

Motion by: TC

Seconded by: HB

Additional discussion: None

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

• 2021 Sunsets: Potassium phosphate (TC). The lead summarized the responses to the questions 

that were posed in the Spring. Comments were mixed, but most were supportive of relisting. 

Potassium phosphate is used in ‘made with organic’ products. The lead also noted that potassium 

phosphate can be used in a blend as a source of potassium for nutrient fortification, although this 

may not be a current use.

Motion to remove potassium phosphate at §205.605(b)

Motion by: TC

Seconded by: SE

Additional discussion: None

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

• 2021 Sunsets: Fish Oil (TC). Discussion and vote deferred to next call while NOP verifies the status 

of the work agenda request to annotate the listing to address conservation concerns. The HS 

received near-universal support for the annotation.. NOP will address it during the July 16 Executive 

call. The HS will discuss and vote on the August 6 call. 

• Additional items:

o The group discussed a potential TR for sodium hydroxide and determined that it may not 

be needed in light of the availability of other resources. 

• The meeting was adjourned
Previous HS Notes

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

June 18, 2019

Determine TR needs for 2022 sunsets. 

2021 Sunsets: Ascorbic acid (SR) TR sufficiency completed?

2021 Sunsets: Dairy cultures (SE) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Gelatin (ARB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Orange pulp, dried (ARB) - discuss/vote

 2021 Sunsets: Alginic acid (LD) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Citric acid (LD) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Lactic acid (LD) - discuss/vote

July 2, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Dairy cultures (SE) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Gelatin (ARB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Orange pulp, dried (ARB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Calcium chloride (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Potassium iodide (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Ferrous sulfate (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: NVM (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Potassium phosphate (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Fish Oil (TC) deferred

July 16, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Gelatin (ARB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Orange pulp, dried (ARB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: L-Malic acid (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Magnesium sulfate (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Perlite (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Activated charcoal (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Ascorbic acid (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Sodium acid pyrophosphate (SR) - discuss/vote

August 6, 2019 - Last call before proposals are due

2021 Sunsets: Fish Oil (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Pacific kombu (ARB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) (ARB) - discuss/vote

August 20, 2019

September 3, 2019 

September 17, 2019

October 1, 2019 

October 15, 2019

November 5, 2019 

November 19, 2019

December 3, 2019 

December 17, 2019

Work Agenda
Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Cont

act

Doc type Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target 

meeting

2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Voted

Target 

meeting

Alginic acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Calcium chloride 205.605(a) TC N 1995 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “

Citric acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 “

Dairy cultures 205.605(a) SE N 1995 TAP

2014 TR for microorganisms

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04

06 18

“

Enzymes 205.605(a) SE N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 “

Lactic acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 “

L-Malic acid 205.605(a) SR Y 2003 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec. TR sent to HS 03 20 19. TR 

Suff due 05 17 19. TR found 

sufficient 06 04 19

06 04

07 16

“

Magnesium sulfate 205.605(a) SR N 2011 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 “

Microorganisms 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 “

Perlite 205.605(a) SR N 1996 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 “

Potassium iodide 205.605(a) TC N 2011 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “

Yeast 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 “
Activated charcoal 205.605(b) SR N 2002 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 “

Ascorbic acid 205.605(b) SR Y 1995 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec. Revised TR due 03/2019. TR

sent to HS 04 04 19. Sufficiency 

due 06 03 19. CS sent additional 

questions to NOP 06 18 19

06 18

07 16

“

Calcium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 “

Ferrous sulfate 205.605(b) TC N 1995 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “

Hydrogen peroxide 205.605(b) AB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops)

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 “

Nutrient vitamins 

and minerals

205.605(b) TC N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “

Peracetic acid 205.605(b) AB N 2016 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 “

Potassium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 “

Potassium 

phosphate

205.605(b) TC N 1995 TAP

Phosphates TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “

Sodium acid 

pyrophosphate

205.605(b) SR N 2001 TAP

2010 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 “

Sodium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 “

Tocopherols 205.605(b) AB N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 “

Celery powder 205.606 AB Y. 

hosted 

panel 

instead

TR: None

2015 NOSB Recommendation

HS requested TR 05 15 18. TR was 

not contracted. The NOSB hosted 

a panel in its place. 

06 04 “

Fish oil 205.606 TC N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02

08 06

“
Gelatin 205.606 ARB Y 2002 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation

2019 TR Collagen Gel, Gelatin, and 

Casings

HS requested TR 05 15 18 -

combined with collagen gel and 

casings. TR sent to HS 01 30 2019. 

TR found sufficient 02 05 19

07 16 “

Orange pulp, dried 205.606 ARB N TR: None

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 “

Seaweed, Pacific 

kombu

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2015 NOSB Recommendation

08 06 “

Seaweed, Wakame 

(Undaria 

pinnatifida)

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2015 NOSB Recommendation

08 06 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Target 

meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development, expected mid-Sep -

delayed. TR received 9/30/16. In review by the program. TR sent 

to HS 10 19 16. TR sufficiency due 12 20 16. TR found insufficient 

12 20 16. Vote: 02 21 17. New TR in development. Expected July 

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

sufficient 08 01 17. ON HOLD. 

Discussion doc 

TBD

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 01 12 16. ON HOLD pending NOP action. 

TBD

NVM history 

summary

relay the history to a future iteration of the Board.

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2019. Fall 2019

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

L-Malic Acid TC Work agenda request 5.13.19. Sent to NOP 7.3.19 TBD

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

Fall 2019 Milestones Target dates (tentative)
New NOSB member training TBD Feb/Mar 2020

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 3, 2019

NOSB Request for TRs for 2022 sunset materials Jun 12, 2019

NOP - Draft Fall 2019 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 5, 2018

NOSB - Fall 2019 proposals due to NOP Aug 15, 2018

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 4, 2018

Public comment closes Oct 3, 2019

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 7, 2019

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 14, 2019

Public comment webinars Oct 15 & 17, 2019

Fall 2019 NOSB meeting - Pittsburgh, PA Oct 23-25, 2019
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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“

Waxes—nonsynthetic 

(Wood resin)

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

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

“

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

“

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

“

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

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

“

Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (CAS # 9005-

80-5)

205.606 TC N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

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

“

Orange shellacunbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 HB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“
Sweet potato starch

—

for bean thread 

production only.

205.606 ABN Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Turkish bay leaves 205.606 SRN Sunset date 6/27/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

Whey protein 

concentrate

205.606 ARBN Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

Carnauba wax 205.606 LDN 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; 

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

Glycerin (CAS # 56-81-5) TC

N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2013 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2015/Spring - Rec to RECLASSIFY
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, June 18, 2019 1:00 pm ET

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

Behar (HB)

Absent: Tom Chapman (TC); A-dae Briones (ARB)

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

Agenda

• June 4 notes

• Determine TR needs for 2022 sunsets. 

• 2021 Sunsets: Ascorbic acid (SR) TR sufficiency completed? 

• 2021 Sunsets: Dairy cultures (SE) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Gelatin (ARB) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Orange pulp, dried (ARB) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Alginic acid (LD) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Citric acid (LD) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Lactic acid (LD) - discuss/vote

• 2019 Research priorities

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from June 4 were accepted as is.

• Determine TR needs for 2022 sunsets. The HS determined the need for TRs for the 2022 sunset 

substances. See table below.

• 2021 Sunsets: Ascorbic acid (SR). The TR was found accessible and easy to understand, although it 

did not address a full description of the fermentation process or include discussion of GMOs. The 

CS will send the NOP additional questions before determining TR sufficiency.

• 2021 Sunsets: Dairy cultures (SE). The HS discussed the listings for dairy cultures and 

microorganisms during the ES call, hoping to get feedback from the NOP about the redundancy of 

the two listings. The NOP did not provide feedback, so the HS will proceed with the plan to let dairy 

cultures sunset. The lead will address ancillary substances in the review documents. The group also 

discussed rennet and whether or not it is included in microorganisms, which is a very broad 

category. Members made modifications to the draft review based on the discussion. 

Motion to remove dairy cultures from the NL

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: SR

Additional discussion: None

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

• 2021 Sunsets: Gelatin (ARB). Deferred to next call.
• 2021 Sunsets: Orange pulp, dried (ARB). Deferred to next call.

• 2021 Sunsets: Alginic acid (LD). The lead summarized the uses of alginic acid in soups and soup 

mixes, noting that it is derived from seaweed. The TR indicated minimum environmental issues. The 

NOSB received no comments from manufacturers, and is interested in garnering feedback from 

stakeholders as to whether it is in use or necessary, and whether there are alternatives. The 

Subcommittee voted to remove alginic acid from the National List.

Motion to remove alginic acid from the National List at §205.605 based on essentiality

Motion by: LD

Seconded by: HB

Additional discussion: None

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

• 2021 Sunsets: Citric acid (LD). The lead summarized the uses of citric acid and noted that it is 

produced via fermentation. 

Motion to remove citric acid from the National List at §205.605

Motion by: LD

Seconded by: SR

Additional discussion: None

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

• 2021 Sunsets: Lactic acid (LD). The lead summarized the uses of lactic acid, which is a carbohydrate 

fermentation product. Lactic acid is widely used in almost every segment of the food industry, 

where it carries out a wide range of functions.

Motion to remove lactic acid from the National List at §205.605

Motion by: LD

Seconded by: AB

Additional discussion: None

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

• 2019 Research priorities. Members discussed the current list of research priorities which includes

Chlorine materials and alternatives, BPA, and celery powder.

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

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

June 4, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Dairy cultures (SE) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Enzymes (SE) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Microorganisms (SE) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Yeast (SE) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Tocopherols (AB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Celery powder (AB) - discuss/vote

L-Malic acid TR sufficiency (SR) 

Research priorities. Discuss 

Determine TR needs for 2022 sunsets and assign leads to 9 additional entrees
June 18, 2019

Determine TR needs for 2022 sunsets. 

2021 Sunsets: Ascorbic acid (SR) TR sufficiency completed?

2021 Sunsets: Dairy cultures (SE) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Gelatin (ARB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Orange pulp, dried (ARB) - discuss/vote

 2021 Sunsets: Alginic acid (LD) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Citric acid (LD) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Lactic acid (LD) - discuss/vote

July 2, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Dairy cultures (SE) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Gelatin (ARB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Orange pulp, dried (ARB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Calcium chloride (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Potassium iodide (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Ferrous sulfate (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: NVM (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Potassium phosphate (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Fish Oil (TC) - discuss/vote

July 16, 2019

2021 Sunsets: L-Malic acid (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Magnesium sulfate (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Perlite (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Activated charcoal (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Ascorbic acid (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Sodium acid pyrophosphate (SR) - discuss/vote

August 6, 2019 - Last call before proposals are due

2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Pacific kombu (ARB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) (ARB) - discuss/vote

August 20, 2019

September 3, 2019 

September 17, 2019

October 1, 2019 

October 15, 2019

November 5, 2019 

November 19, 2019

December 3, 2019 

December 17, 2019

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Cont

act

Doc type Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target 

meeting

2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019
Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Voted

Target 

meeting

Alginic acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Calcium chloride 205.605(a) TC N 1995 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “

Citric acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 “

Dairy cultures 205.605(a) SE N 1995 TAP

See 2014 TR for microorganisms

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04

06 18

“

Enzymes 205.605(a) SE N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 “

Lactic acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 “

L-Malic acid 205.605(a) SR Y 2003 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec. TR sent to HS 03 20 19. TR 

Suff due 05 17 19. TR found 

sufficient 06 04 19

06 04

07 16

“

Magnesium sulfate 205.605(a) SR N 2011 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 “

Microorganisms 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 “

Perlite 205.605(a) SR N 1996 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 “

Potassium iodide 205.605(a) TC N 2011 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “

Yeast 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 “

Activated charcoal 205.605(b) SR N 2002 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 “

Ascorbic acid 205.605(b) SR Y 1995 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec. Revised TR due 03/2019. TR

sent to HS 04 04 19. Sufficiency 

06 18

07 16

“
due 06 03 19. CS sent additional 

questions to NOP 06 18 19

Calcium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 “

Ferrous sulfate 205.605(b) TC N 1995 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “

Hydrogen peroxide 205.605(b) AB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops)

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 “

Nutrient vitamins 

and minerals

205.605(b) TC N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “

Peracetic acid 205.605(b) AB N 2016 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 “

Potassium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 “

Potassium 

phosphate

205.605(b) TC N 1995 TAP

Phosphates TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “

Sodium acid 

pyrophosphate

205.605(b) SR N 2001 TAP

2010 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 “

Sodium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 “

Tocopherols 205.605(b) AB N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 “

Celery powder 205.606 AB Y. 

hosted 

panel 

instead

TR: None

2015 NOSB Recommendation

HS requested TR 05 15 18. TR was 

not contracted. The NOSB hosted 

a panel in its place. 

06 04 “

Fish oil 205.606 TC N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “
Gelatin 205.606 ARB Y 2002 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation

2019 TR Collagen Gel, Gelatin, and 

Casings

HS requested TR 05 15 18 -

combined with collagen gel and 

casings. TR sent to HS 01 30 2019. 

TR found sufficient 02 05 19

07 02 “

Orange pulp, dried 205.606 ARB N TR: None

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “

Seaweed, Pacific 

kombu

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2015 NOSB Recommendation

08 06 “

Seaweed, Wakame 

(Undaria 

pinnatifida)

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2015 NOSB Recommendation

08 06 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Target 

meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development, expected mid-Sep -

delayed. TR received 9/30/16. In review by the program. TR sent 

to HS 10 19 16. TR sufficiency due 12 20 16. TR found insufficient 

12 20 16. Vote: 02 21 17. New TR in development. Expected July 

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

sufficient 08 01 17. ON HOLD. 

Discussion doc 

TBD

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 01 12 16. ON HOLD pending NOP action. 

TBD

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2019. Fall 2019

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

Fall 2019 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

New NOSB member training TBD Feb/Mar 2020

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 3, 2019

NOSB Request for TRs for 2022 sunset materials Jun 12, 2019

NOP - Draft Fall 2019 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 5, 2018

NOSB - Fall 2019 proposals due to NOP Aug 15, 2018

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 4, 2018
Public comment closes Oct 3, 2019

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 7, 2019

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 14, 2019

Public comment webinars Oct 15 & 17, 2019

Fall 2019 NOSB meeting - Pittsburgh, PA Oct 23-25, 2019
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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“

Waxes—nonsynthetic 

(Wood resin)

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

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

“

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

“

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

“

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

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

“

Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (CAS # 9005-

80-5)

205.606 TC N Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

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

“

Orange shellacunbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 HB N Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“
Sweet potato starch

—

for bean thread 

production only.

205.606 ABN Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Turkish bay leaves 205.606 SRN Sunset date 6/27/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

Whey protein 

concentrate

205.606 ARBN Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

Carnauba wax 205.606 LDN 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; 

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

Glycerin (CAS # 56-81-5) TC

N Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2013 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2015/Spring - Rec to RECLASSIFY
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, June 4, 2019 1:00 pm ET

Present: Asa Bradman (AB), Chair; Lisa de Lima (LD), Vice Chair; Harriet Behar (HB); A-dae Briones (ARB); 

Scott Rice, (SR); Steve Ela (SE); Tom Chapman (TC)

Absent: None

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

Agenda

• May 7 and May 21 notes

• L-Malic acid TR sufficiency (SR) 

• 2021 Sunsets: Dairy cultures (SE) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Enzymes (SE) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Microorganisms (SE) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Yeast (SE) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Tocopherols (AB) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Celery powder (AB) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Gelatin (ARB) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Orange pulp, dried (ARB) - discuss/vote

• Research priorities. Discuss 

• Determine TR needs for 2022 sunsets and assign leads to 9 additional entrees

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from May 7 and May 21 were accepted as is.

• L-Malic acid TR sufficiency (SR). The lead indicated that the TR did a good job explaining the 

manufacturing processes, and it was very thorough and accessible to the reader. The TR was found 

sufficient. The HS will discuss the proposal on July 16.

• 2021 Sunsets: Dairy cultures (SE). The lead summarized the substance and the group discussed the 

treatment for ancillary substances. The HS will add any ancillaries to the ongoing list as a way to 

keep track of them, but will not review them individually at this time. A member noted that some 

dairy cultures and enzymes are genetically modified and would like to add a sentence to the review 

acknowledging that and the fact that certifiers require proof of non-GMO status. Members also 

discussed the potential for removing dairy cultures from the list as the microorganisms listing is

redundant. The HS is seeking feedback from the NOP about this option, and will pose this question 

to the NOP on the next Exec call. 

• 2021 Sunsets: Enzymes (SE). The lead summarized the substance and the HS moved to a vote.

Motion to remove enzymes from the National List at 205.605(a)

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: HB 

Additional discussion: None

Yes: 0 No: 7 Abstain: 0 Absent: 0 Recuse: 0 
• 2021 Sunsets: Microorganisms (SE). The HS is contemplating the removal of dairy cultures from the 

National List as it was identified by several stakeholders as a redundant listing with microorganisms. 

The lead added text to the review and proceeded to a vote.

Motion to remove microorganisms from the National List at 205.605(a)

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: LD

Additional discussion: None

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

• 2021 Sunsets: Yeast (SE). The lead summarized the review and modified the draft based on 

conversation on the call. The HS proceeded to a vote.

Motion to remove yeast from the National List at 205.605(a)

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: AB

Additional discussion: None

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

(One of the members dropped off the call due to lack of a connection, as reflected in the votes 

below).

• 2021 Sunsets: Tocopherols (AB). The lead summarized the substance uses and public comment. A 

member added that availability of tocopherols can be volatile and inconsistent. 

Motion to remove tocopherols from the National List at 205.605(b)

Motion by: AB

Seconded by: SE

Additional discussion: None

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

• 2021 Sunsets: Celery powder (AB). The lead incorporated information from the celery powder 

panel and the public comment from the Spring NOSB meeting. It’s clear from comments that celery 

powder is essential to the industry, although the lead noted the need for more research into 

organic production. 

Motion to remove celery powder from the National List at 205.606

Motion by: AB

Seconded by: SR

Additional discussion: None

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

• 2021 Sunsets: Gelatin (ARB). Deferred to next call

• 2021 Sunsets: Orange pulp, dried (ARB). Deferred to next call

• Research priorities. Deferred to next call.

• Determine TR needs for 2022 sunsets and assign leads to 9 additional entrees (see below)

• Other: 

o Ascorbic acid. TR sufficiency due June 3. The HS will determine sufficiency before the next 

HS call and let the NOP know if the petition can be posted to the website. 

• The meeting was adjourned
Previous HS Notes

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

May 21, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Calcium citrate (LD) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Hydrogen peroxide (AB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Peracetic acid (AB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Potassium citrate (LD) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Sodium citrate (LD) - discuss/vote

June 4, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Dairy cultures (SE) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Enzymes (SE) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Microorganisms (SE) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Yeast (SE) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Tocopherols (AB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Celery powder (AB) - discuss/vote

L-Malic acid TR sufficiency (SR) 

Research priorities. Discuss 

Determine TR needs for 2022 sunsets and assign leads to 9 additional entrees

June 18, 2019

Determine TR needs for 2022 sunsets. 

2021 Sunsets: Ascorbic acid (SR) TR sufficiency completed?

2021 Sunsets: Dairy cultures (SE) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Gelatin (ARB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Orange pulp, dried (ARB) - discuss/vote

 2021 Sunsets: Alginic acid (LD) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Citric acid (LD) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Lactic acid (LD) - discuss/vote

July 2, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Calcium chloride (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Potassium iodide (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Ferrous sulfate (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: NVM (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Potassium phosphate (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Fish Oil (TC) - discuss/vote

July 16, 2019

2021 Sunsets: L-Malic acid (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Magnesium sulfate (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Perlite (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Activated charcoal (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Ascorbic acid (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Sodium acid pyrophosphate (SR) - discuss/vote

August 6, 2019 - Last call before proposals are due

2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Pacific kombu (ARB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) (ARB) - discuss/vote

August 20, 2019

September 3, 2019 

September 17, 2019

October 1, 2019 

October 15, 2019

November 5, 2019 

November 19, 2019
December 3, 2019 

December 17, 2019

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Cont

act

Doc type Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target 

meeting

2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Voted

Target 

meeting

Alginic acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Calcium chloride 205.605(a) TC N 1995 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “

Citric acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 “

Dairy cultures 205.605(a) SE N 1995 TAP

See 2014 TR for microorganisms

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04

06 18

“

Enzymes 205.605(a) SE N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 “

Lactic acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 “

L-Malic acid 205.605(a) SR Y 2003 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec. TR sent to HS 03 20 19. TR 

Suff due 05 17 19. TR found 

sufficient 06 04 19

06 04

07 16

“

Magnesium sulfate 205.605(a) SR N 2011 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 “

Microorganisms 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 “

Perlite 205.605(a) SR N 1996 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 “
Potassium iodide 205.605(a) TC N 2011 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “

Yeast 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 “

Activated charcoal 205.605(b) SR N 2002 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 “

Ascorbic acid 205.605(b) SR Y 1995 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec. Revised TR due 03/2019. TR

sent to HS 04 04 19. Sufficiency 

due 06 03 19.

06 18

07 16

“

Calcium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 “

Ferrous sulfate 205.605(b) TC N 1995 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “

Hydrogen peroxide 205.605(b) AB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops)

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 “

Nutrient vitamins 

and minerals

205.605(b) TC N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “

Peracetic acid 205.605(b) AB N 2016 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 “

Potassium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 “

Potassium 

phosphate

205.605(b) TC N 1995 TAP

Phosphates TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “

Sodium acid 

pyrophosphate

205.605(b) SR N 2001 TAP

2010 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 “

Sodium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 “

Tocopherols 205.605(b) AB N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 “

Celery powder 205.606 AB Y. 

hosted 

panel 

instead

TR: None

2015 NOSB Recommendation

HS requested TR 05 15 18. TR was 

not contracted. The NOSB hosted 

a panel in its place. 

06 04 “

Fish oil 205.606 TC N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “
Gelatin 205.606 ARB Y 2002 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation

2019 TR Collagen Gel, Gelatin, and 

Casings

HS requested TR 05 15 18 -

combined with collagen gel and 

casings. TR sent to HS 01 30 2019. 

TR found sufficient 02 05 19

06 18 “

Orange pulp, dried 205.606 ARB N TR: None

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 “

Seaweed, Pacific 

kombu

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2015 NOSB Recommendation

08 06 “

Seaweed, Wakame 

(Undaria 

pinnatifida)

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2015 NOSB Recommendation

08 06 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Target 

meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development, expected mid-Sep -

delayed. TR received 9/30/16. In review by the program. TR sent 

to HS 10 19 16. TR sufficiency due 12 20 16. TR found insufficient 

12 20 16. Vote: 02 21 17. New TR in development. Expected July 

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

sufficient 08 01 17. ON HOLD. 

Discussion doc 

TBD

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 01 12 16. ON HOLD pending NOP action. 

TBD

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2019. Fall 2019

*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote
Fall 2019 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

New NOSB member training TBD Feb/Mar 2020

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 3, 2019

NOSB Request for TRs for 2022 sunset materials Jun 12, 2019

NOP - Draft Fall 2019 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 5, 2018

NOSB - Fall 2019 proposals due to NOP Aug 15, 2018

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 4, 2018

Public comment closes Oct 3, 2019

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 7, 2019

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 14, 2019

Public comment webinars Oct 15 & 17, 2019

Fall 2019 NOSB meeting - Pittsburgh, PA Oct 23-25, 2019
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 Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

Summary: 

Spr 2020

Review: 

Fall 2020

Sodium bicarbonate 205.605(a) SE Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“

Waxes—nonsynthetic 

(Wood resin)

205.605(a) LD Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Ammonium 

bicarbonate—for use 

only as a leavening 

agent

205.605(b) SE Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Ammonium 

carbonate—for use only 

as a leavening agent

205.605(b) SE Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Calcium phosphates 

(monobasic, dibasic, 

and tribasic)

205.605(b) TC Sunset date 3/15/2022

2016 TR for Phosphates

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Sodium hydroxide—

prohibited for use in lye 

peeling of fruits and 

vegetables

205.605(b) HB Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (CAS # 9005-

80-5)

205.606 TC Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

Kelp—for use only as a 

thickener and dietary 

supplement

205.606 ARB Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Orange shellacunbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 HB Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“
Sweet potato starch

—

for bean thread 

production only.

205.606 AB Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

Whey protein 

concentrate

205.606 ARB Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

Carnauba wax 205.606 LD 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; 

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 TC Sunset date: 

Beta carotene 5/29/2023; 

All others 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

Glycerin (CAS # 56-81-5) TC Sunset date: 3/15/2022 

(different section of List)

2013 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2015/Spring - Rec to RECLASSIFY
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, May 21, 2019 1:00 pm ET

Present: Asa Bradman (AB) ), Chair; Harriet Behar (HB); Steve Ela (SE); Lisa de Lima (LD), Vice Chair

Absent: A-dae Briones (ARB); Tom Chapman (TC); Scott Rice, (SR)

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

Agenda

• May 7 notes

• 2021 Sunsets: Calcium citrate (LD) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Potassium citrate (LD) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Sodium citrate (LD) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Hydrogen peroxide (AB) - discuss/vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Peracetic acid (AB) - discuss/vote

• L-Malic acid TR sufficiency (SR)

• Research Priorities prelim discussion 

• Assign leads to 2022 sunsets, schedule time for TR needs discussion

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from May 7 were accepted as is.

• 2021 Sunsets: Calcium citrate (LD). The lead summarized the substance, noting that it is allowed 

internationally, and there was no new information about human health or use patterns provided 

during the last comment period. The majority of commenters supported relisting.

Motion to remove calcium citrate from 205.605(b)

Motion by: LD

Seconded by: AS 

Additional discussion: None

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

• 2021 Sunsets: Potassium citrate (LD). The lead summarized the substance, including international 

usage and the public comments. 

Motion to remove potassium citrate from 205.605(b)

Motion by: LD

Seconded by: SE 

Additional discussion: None

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

• 2021 Sunsets: Sodium citrate (LD). The lead summarized the substance uses, including 

international use, and the public comments.
Motion to remove sodium citrate from 205.605(b)

Motion by: LD

Seconded by: HB 

Additional discussion: None

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

• 2021 Sunsets: Hydrogen peroxide (AB). The lead summarized the substance and its uses. It is an 

oxidizer and therefore is used as a sanitizer and disinfectant. Universally supported and used 

extensively.

Motion to remove hydrogen peroxide from 205.605(b)

Motion by: AB

Seconded by: HB

Additional discussion: None

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

• 2021 Sunsets: Peracetic acid (AB). The lead summarized the substance and its uses, as well as 

public comments. Peracetic acid is widely supported and used. The lead has reached out to a 

material review organization regarding inerts and is awaiting feedback.

Motion to remove peracetic acid from 205.605(b)

Motion by: AB

Seconded by: SE

Additional discussion: None

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

• L-Malic acid TR sufficiency (SR). Deferred to next call

• Researched priorities. Deferred to next call

• Assigned leads to 2022 sunsets. See table below 

• Determine TR needs for 2022 sunsets. Deferred to next call

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

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

May 7, 2019

May 21, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Calcium citrate (LD) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Hydrogen peroxide (AB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Peracetic acid (AB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Potassium citrate (LD) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Sodium citrate (LD) - discuss/vote

June 4, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Dairy cultures (SE) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Enzymes (SE) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Microorganisms (SE) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Yeast (SE) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Tocopherols (AB) - discuss/vote
2021 Sunsets: Celery powder (AB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Gelatin (ARB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Orange pulp, dried (ARB) - discuss/vote

L-Malic acid TR sufficiency (SR) 

Research priorities. Discuss 

Determine TR needs for 2022 sunsets 

June 18, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Alginic acid (LD) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Citric acid (LD) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Lactic acid (LD) - discuss/vote

July 2, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Calcium chloride (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Potassium iodide (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Ferrous sulfate (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: NVM (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Potassium phosphate (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Fish Oil (TC) - discuss/vote

July 16, 2019

2021 Sunsets: L-Malic acid (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Magnesium sulfate (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Perlite (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Activated charcoal (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Ascorbic acid (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Sodium acid pyrophosphate (SR) - discuss/vote

August 6, 2019 - Last call before proposals are due

2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Pacific kombu (ARB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) (ARB) - discuss/vote

August 20, 2019

September 3, 2019 

September 17, 2019

October 1, 2019 

October 15, 2019

November 5, 2019 

November 19, 2019

December 3, 2019 

December 17, 2019

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Cont

act

Doc type Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target 

meeting
2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Voted

Target 

meeting

Alginic acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation to 

renew

2015/Fall - Rec to Reclassify

06 18 Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Calcium chloride 205.605(a) TC N 1995 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “

Citric acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 “

Dairy cultures 205.605(a) SE N 1995 TAP

See 2014 TR for microorganisms

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 “

Enzymes 205.605(a) SE N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 “

Lactic acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 “

L-Malic acid 205.605(a) SR Y 2003 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec. TR sent to HS 03 20 19. TR 

Suff due 05 17 19

07 04

07 16

“

Magnesium sulfate 205.605(a) SR N 2011 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 “

Microorganisms 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 “

Perlite 205.605(a) SR N 1996 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 “

Potassium iodide 205.605(a) TC N 2011 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “

Yeast 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 “

Activated charcoal 205.605(b) SR N 2002 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 “
Ascorbic acid 205.605(b) SR Y 1995 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec. Revised TR due 03/2019. Tr 

sent to HS 04 04 19. Sufficiency 

due 06 03 19.

07 16 “

Calcium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 “

Ferrous sulfate 205.605(b) TC N 1995 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “

Hydrogen peroxide 205.605(b) AB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops)

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 “

Nutrient vitamins 

and minerals

205.605(b) TC N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “

Peracetic acid 205.605(b) AB N 2016 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 “

Potassium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 “

Potassium 

phosphate

205.605(b) TC N 1995 TAP

Phosphates TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “

Sodium acid 

pyrophosphate

205.605(b) SR N 2001 TAP

2010 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 “

Sodium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 “

Tocopherols 205.605(b) AB N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 “

Celery powder 205.606 AB Y TR: None

2015 NOSB Recommendation

HS requested TR 05 15 18.

06 04 “

Fish oil 205.606 TC N 2015 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “

Gelatin 205.606 ARB Y 2002 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation

2019 TR Collagen Gel, Gelatin, and 

Casings

HS requested TR 05 15 18 -

combined with collagen gel and 

casings. TR sent to HS 01 30 2019. 

TR found sufficient 02 05 19

06 04 “
Orange pulp, dried 205.606 ARB N TR: None

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 “

Seaweed, Pacific 

kombu

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2015 NOSB Recommendation

08 06 “

Seaweed, Wakame 

(Undaria 

pinnatifida)

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2015 NOSB Recommendation

08 06 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Target 

meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development, expected mid-Sep -

delayed. TR received 9/30/16. In review by the program. TR sent 

to HS 10 19 16. TR sufficiency due 12 20 16. TR found insufficient 

12 20 16. Vote: 02 21 17. New TR in development. Expected July 

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

sufficient 08 01 17. ON HOLD. 

Discussion doc 

TBD

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 01 12 16. ON HOLD pending NOP action. 

TBD

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2019 Fall 2019

*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 §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Target 

meeting

Kaolin 205.605(a) LD Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

Summary: 

Spr 2020

Review: 

Fall 2020

Sodium bicarbonate 205.605(a) SE Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“

Waxes—

nonsynthetic (Wood 

resin)

205.605(a) LD Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Ammonium 

bicarbonate—for 

use only as a

leavening agent

205.605(b) SE Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Ammonium 

carbonate—for use 

only as a leavening

agent

205.605(b) SE Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Calcium phosphates 

(monobasic, dibasic, 

and tribasic)

205.605(b) TC Sunset date 3/15/2022

2016 TR for Phosphates

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Sodium hydroxide—

prohibited for use in 

lye peeling of fruits

and vegetables

205.605(b) HB Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Cellulose (CAS 

#9004-34-6)

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

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

Chlorine materials

(i) Calcium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) ? Sunset date: 03/15/2022

2011/Fall - Rec to Amend Annot

2017/Fall - Rec to Renew

Chlorine materials

(ii) Chlorine dioxide

205.605(b) ? Sunset date: 03/15/2022

2011/Fall - Rec to Amend Annot

2017/Fall - Rec to Renew
Chlorine materials

(iv) Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.605(b) ? Sunset date: 03/15/2022

2011/Fall - Rec to Amend Annot

2017/Fall - Rec to Renew

Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (CAS # 

9005-80-5)

205.606 TC Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

Kelp—for use only 

as a thickener and 

dietary supplement

205.606 ARB Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Orange shellacunbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 HB Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Sweet potato 

starch—for bean 

thread production 

only.

205.606 AB Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

Whey protein 

concentrate

205.606 ARB Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

Carnauba wax ? Sunset date: 3/15/2022 (different 

section of List)

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2015/Fall - Rec to Reclassify

Colors 18 to be 

added to table later)

? Sunset date: Beta carotine 

5/29/2023

All others 3/15/2022

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

Glycerin (CAS # 56-

81-5)

? Sunset date: 3/15/2022 (different 

section of List)

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

2015/Spring - Rec to RECLASSIFY

Fall 2019 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

New NOSB member training TBD Feb/Mar 2020

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 3, 2019
NOSB Request for TRs for 2022 sunset materials Jun 12, 2019

NOP - Draft Fall 2019 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 5, 2018

NOSB - Fall 2019 proposals due to NOP Aug 15, 2018

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 4, 2018

Public comment closes Oct 3, 2019

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 7, 2019

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 14, 2019

Public comment webinars Oct 15 & 17, 2019

Fall 2019 NOSB meeting - Pittsburgh, PA Oct 23-25, 2019
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, May 7, 2019 1:00 pm ET

Present: Asa Bradman (AB) ), Chair; Harriet Behar (HB); Steve Ela (SE); Tom Chapman (TC); Lisa de Lima (LD), 

Vice Chair; A-dae Briones (ARB)

Absent: Scott Rice, (SR)

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

Agenda

• March 5 notes

• Discussion of the Seattle meeting

• Assign dates for review of sunsets and petitions 

• L-Malic acid TR sufficiency due May 17. 

• Ascorbic acid TR sufficiency due June 3

• Other 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from March 5 were approved with no changes.

• Discussion of the Seattle meeting. The group had a follow up conversation about celery powder 

and the call for proposals for an OREI grant. 

• Assign dates for review of sunsets and petitions. See table below

• Packaging substances used in organic food handling - including BPA. This work agenda item has 

been on hold, and the HS will discuss it later in the summer. 

• Annotation for fish oil. The HS would like to add this to its work agenda and will submit the request

on the May 13 Executive team call. 

• Work agenda requests –

• L-Malic. Information in the technical report indicates that L-Malic acid should be reclassified from 

synthetic to non-synthetic. The HS will submit a request to add this to its work agenda. Malic acid 

TR sufficiency due May 17. Discussion was scheduled for July 17. 

• Ascorbic acid TR sufficiency due June 4. Discussion was scheduled for July 17.

• Other

o Dairy cultures and microorganisms. Members discussed the comments the NOSB received 

about combining the listing for dairy cultures and microorganisms, noting that these listings 

are redundant. The HS will submit a work agenda request to add this to its work agenda.

o Sunset reviews. Members discussed the process for reviewing the next set of sunset 

substances, as the latest rulemaking (AMS-NOP-14-05) altered the schedule. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

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

April 2, 2019 - cancelled

April 16, 2019 - No call. Public comment webinar

May 7, 2019
May 21, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Calcium citrate (LD) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Hydrogen peroxide (AB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Peracetic acid (AB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Potassium citrate (LD) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Sodium citrate (LD) - discuss/vote

June 4, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Dairy cultures (SE) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Enzymes (SE) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Microorganisms (SE) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Yeast (SE) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Tocopherols (AB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Celery powder (AB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Gelatin (ARB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Orange pulp, dried (ARB) - discuss/vote

June 18, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Alginic acid (LD) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Citric acid (LD) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Lactic acid (LD) - discuss/vote

July 2, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Calcium chloride (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Potassium iodide (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Ferrous sulfate (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: NVM (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Potassium phosphate (TC) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Fish Oil (TC) - discuss/vote

July 16, 2019

2021 Sunsets: L-Malic acid (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Magnesium sulfate (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Perlite (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Activated charcoal (SR) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Ascorbic acid (ES) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Sodium acid pyrophosphate (SR) - discuss/vote

August 6, 2019 - Last call before proposals are due

2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Pacific kombu (ARB) - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) (ARB) - discuss/vote

August 20, 2019

September 3, 2019 

September 17, 2019

October 1, 2019 

October 15, 2019

November 5, 2019 

November 19, 2019

December 3, 2019 

December 17, 2019
Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Cont

act

Doc type Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target 

meeting

2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?

Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Target 

meeting

Alginic acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Calcium chloride 205.605(a) TC N 1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “

Citric acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 “

Dairy cultures 205.605(a) SE N 1995 TAP

See 2014 TR for microorganisms

2017 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 “

Enzymes 205.605(a) SE N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 “

Lactic acid 205.605(a) LD N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

06 18 “

L-Malic acid 205.605(a) SR Y 2003 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec. TR sent to HS 03 20 19. TR 

Suff due 05 17 19

07 16 “

Magnesium sulfate 205.605(a) SR N 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 “

Microorganisms 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 “

Perlite 205.605(a) SR N 1996 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 “

Potassium iodide 205.605(a) TC N 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “

Yeast 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 “
Activated charcoal 205.605(b) SR N 2002 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 “

Ascorbic acid 205.605(b) SR Y 1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec. Revised TR due 03/2019. Tr 

sent to HS 04 04 19. Sufficiency 

due 06 03 19.

07 16 “

Calcium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 “

Ferrous sulfate 205.605(b) TC N 1995 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “

Hydrogen peroxide 205.605(b) AB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops)

2017 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 “

Nutrient vitamins 

and minerals

205.605(b) TC N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “

Peracetic acid 205.605(b) AB N 2016 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 “

Potassium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 “

Potassium 

phosphate

205.605(b) TC N 1995 TAP

Phosphates TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “

Sodium acid 

pyrophosphate

205.605(b) SR N 2001 TAP

2010 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

07 16 “

Sodium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

05 21 “

Tocopherols 205.605(b) AB N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 “

Celery powder 205.606 AB Y None

2017 NOSB Recommendation

HS requested TR 05 15 18.

06 04 “

Fish oil 205.606 TC N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

07 02 “
Gelatin 205.606 ARB Y 2002 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

2019 TR Collagen Gel, Gelatin, and 

Casings

HS requested TR 05 15 18 -

combined with collagen gel and 

casings. TR sent to HS 01 30 2019. 

TR found sufficient 02 05 19

06 04 “

Orange pulp, dried 205.606 ARB N None

2017 NOSB Recommendation

06 04 “

Seaweed, Pacific 

kombu

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2017 NOSB Recommendation

08 06 “

Seaweed, Wakame 

(Undaria 

pinnatifida)

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2017 NOSB Recommendation

08 06 “

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Target 

meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development, expected mid-Sep -

delayed. TR received 9/30/16. In review by the program. TR sent 

to HS 10 19 16. TR sufficiency due 12 20 16. TR found insufficient 

12 20 16. Vote: 02 21 17. New TR in development. Expected July 

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

sufficient 08 01 17. ON HOLD. 

Discussion doc 

TBD

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 01 12 16. ON HOLD pending NOP action. 

TBD

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2019 Fall 2019

*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 §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Target 

meeting

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

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

Summary: 

Spr 2020

Review: 

Fall 2020

Sodium bicarbonate 205.605(a) Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“

Waxes—

nonsynthetic (Wood 

resin)

205.605(a) Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Ammonium 

bicarbonate—for 

use only as a

leavening agent

205.605(b) Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Ammonium 

carbonate—for use 

only as a leavening

agent

205.605(b) Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Calcium phosphates 

(monobasic, dibasic, 

and tribasic)

205.605(b) Sunset date 3/15/2022

2016 TR for Phosphates

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Sodium hydroxide—

prohibited for use in 

lye peeling of fruits

and vegetables

205.605(b) Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Inulin-oligofructose 

enriched (CAS # 

9005-80-5)

205.606 Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

Kelp—for use only 

as a thickener and 

dietary supplement

205.606 Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Orange shellacunbleached (CAS # 

9000-59-3)

205.606 Sunset date 3/15/2022

2014 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

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

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“
Sweet potato 

starch—for bean 

thread production 

only.

205.606 Sunset date 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Turkish bay leaves 205.606 Sunset date 6/27/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

Whey protein 

concentrate

205.606 Sunset date 6/27/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall - Rec to Remove

“

Fall 2019 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

New NOSB member training TBD Feb/Mar 2020

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 3, 2019

NOSB Request for TRs for 2022 sunset materials Jun 12, 2019

NOP - Draft Fall 2019 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 5, 2018

NOSB - Fall 2019 proposals due to NOP Aug 15, 2018

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 4, 2018

Public comment closes Oct 3, 2019

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 7, 2019

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 14, 2019

Public comment webinars Oct 15 & 17, 2019

Fall 2019 NOSB meeting - Pittsburgh, PA Oct 23-25, 2019
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, March 5, 2019 1:00 pm ET

Present: Asa Bradman (AB) ), Chair; Scott Rice, (SR); Harriet Behar (HB); Steve Ela (SE)

Absent: Tom Chapman (TC); Lisa de Lima (LD), Vice Chair; A-dae Briones (ARB)

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

Agenda

• Notes

• Celery powder panel logistics, facilitation, intros, etc. 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from February 19 and February 20 were accepted as is

• Celery powder panel logistics, facilitation, intros, etc.

o All four panelists are confirmed

o The HS Chair will compile questions, some of which were included in the sunset review for 

celery powder, and send to it to the NOP to forward to the panelists ahead of the NOSB 

meeting. The NOSB will ask for written responses, if the panelists have time. 

o Panel logistics: Each panelist will have 10 - 15 minutes for a presentation, ideally that 

includes responses to questions. 30 minutes Q & A with the NOSB.

o The Handling Chair will introduce the panelists.

• Research priorities. The Chair will recirculate the Fall 2018 research priorities, so the members can 

begin thinking about potential priorities for 2019. Several topics were suggested including: food 

safety packaging issues; occupational exposure hazards of chlorine compounds; and sanitizers. A 

review of sanitizers is on the Materials Subcommittee work agenda, and the HS members discussed 

potential other components that pertain to Handling. The Subcommittee discussed the need to 

document a process for future boards as they review petitions for sanitizers. 

• Other

o The HS cancelled the March 19 call

o The HS Chair will not be available for the April 2 call. The Vice Chair will lead the meeting. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

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

March 5, 2019

Discuss celery powder panel

March 19, 2019 - cancelled

April 2, 2019

April 16, 2019 - No call. Public comment webinar

May 7, 2019

May 21, 2019

June 4, 2019

June 18, 2019
July 2, 2019

July 16, 2019

August 6, 2019 

August 20, 2019

September 3, 2019 

September 17, 2019

October 1, 2019 

October 15, 2019

November 5, 2019 

November 19, 2019

December 3, 2019 

December 17, 2019

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Cont

act

Doc type Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target 

meeting

Silver Dihydrogen 

Citrate

Petition Addendum 

#1

Petition addendum 

#2

205.605(b) TC/ 

SE

Proposal Petition sent to HS 01 24 17. 

Response/request for TR due 03 28 

17. Petition found sufficient 03 07 

17. HS requested TR 03 07 14. TR in 

development. Petition addendum 

sent to HS 08 03 17. TR sent to HS 

10 19 17/ Suff due 12 19 17. HS 

sent additional questions to TR 

contractor 12 05 17. TR under 

revision. Revised TR sent to HS 02 

21 18. Response due 04 23 18. TR

found sufficient 05 15 18. Petition 

addendum sent to HS 06 29 18.

02 19 19

02 20 19

Spr 2019

Pullulan 205.605(a) LD Proposal Petition sent to HS 02 27 18.

Sufficiency due 04 30 18. Petition 

found suff 04 03 18. HS requested 

TR 04 03 18. TR sent to HS 09 12 

18. Response due 11 12 18. TR 

found sufficient 10 02 18

11 20 18 Spr 2019

Collagen Gel (casing) §205.606 AB Proposal Petition sent to HS 03 23 18. 

Petition Sufficiency due 5 22 18. 

Petition found sufficient 5 15 18. 

HS requested TR 5 15 18. TR in 

development. Expected Sep 2018. 

TR sent to HS 10 30 18. Response 

due 12 28 18. HS sent additional 

questions to contractor. Revised TR 

sent to HS 01 30 19. Response due 

03 31 19. TR found sufficient 02 05 

19

11 20 2018

01 29 2019

02 05 2019

02 20 2019

Spr 2019
2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Target 

meeting

Alginic acid 205.605(a) ES N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

01 29 19 Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Calcium chloride 205.605(a) TC N 1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Citric acid 205.605(a) ES N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

01 29 19 “

Dairy cultures 205.605(a) SE N 1995 TAP

See 2014 TR for microorganisms

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 04 18 “

Enzymes 205.605(a) SE N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 04 18 “

Lactic acid 205.605(a) ES N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

01 29 19 “

L-Malic acid 205.605(a) ES Y 2003 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec

01 29 19 “

Magnesium sulfate 205.605(a) SR N 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Microorganisms 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

12 04 18 “

Perlite 205.605(a) SR N 1996 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Potassium iodide 205.605(a) TC N 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Yeast 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 04 18 “

Activated charcoal 205.605(b) SR N 2002 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Ascorbic acid 205.605(b) ES Y 1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec. Revised TR due 03/2019

01 29 19 “
Calcium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 18 18 “

Ferrous sulfate 205.605(b) TC N 1995 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Hydrogen peroxide 205.605(b) AB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops)

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 19 19 “

Nutrient vitamins 

and minerals

205.605(b) TC N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 19 19 “

Peracetic acid 205.605(b) AB N 2016 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

02 19 19 “

Potassium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 18 18 “

Potassium 

phosphate

205.605(b) TC N 1995 TAP

Phosphates TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Sodium acid 

pyrophosphate

205.605(b) SR N 2001 TAP

2010 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Sodium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 18 18 “

Tocopherols 205.605(b) AB N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 19 19 “

Celery powder 205.606 AB Y None

2017 NOSB Recommendation

HS requested TR 05 15 18. May 

not request TR, but hold panel 

instead. 

02 19 19 “

Fish oil 205.606 TC N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Gelatin 205.606 ARB Y 2002 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

HS requested TR 05 15 18 -

combined with collagen gel and 

casings TR

12 18 18

02 05 19

“

Orange pulp, dried 205.606 ARB N None

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 18 18

02 05 19

“

Seaweed, Pacific 

kombu

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 18 18

02 05 19

“

Seaweed, Wakame 

(Undaria 

pinnatifida)

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2017 NOSB Recommendation

01 08 19

02 05 19

“
Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Target 

meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development, expected mid-Sep -

delayed. TR received 9/30/16. In review by the program. TR sent 

to HS 10 19 16. TR sufficiency due 12 20 16. TR found insufficient 

12 20 16. Vote: 02 21 17. New TR in development. Expected July 

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

sufficient 08 01 17. ON HOLD. 

Discussion doc 

TBD

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 01 12 16. ON HOLD pending NOP action. 

TBD

Celery Powder panel ALL Discussed 02 05 19, 02 19 19, 03 05 19 Spr 2019

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2019 Fall 2019

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

Spring 2019 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Nov 26, 2018

NOSB – Spring 2019 proposals due to NOP Feb 21, 2019

NOP - Draft Spring 2019 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 4, 2019

NOP - Post proposals Mar 6, 2019

Public comment closes Apr 4, 2019

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Apr 13, 2019

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 8, 2019

Public comment webinars Apr 16 & 18, 2019

Spring 2019 NOSB meeting - Seattle, WA Apr 24 - 26, 2019
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 19, 2019 1:00 pm ET

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

Briones (ARB); Harriet Behar (HB)

Absent: Steve Ela (SE)

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

Agenda

• Silver Dihydrogen Citrate (SE/TC) - discuss proposal/vote

• Collagen Gel (casing) - discuss proposal/vote

• Panel logistics, facilitation, intros, etc.

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Silver Dihydrogen Citrate (SE/TC). The members discussed the current proposal, including the 

concerns that were raised in public comments at the Fall 2018 meeting. Two aspects under 

discussion pertain to medical applications and environmental concerns. Several of those concerns 

are addressed in the document, and the group discussed others. The lead will make some additions 

based on the conversation and the group moved to a vote. 

Motion to classify silver dihydrogen citrate (SDC) as petitioned as agricultural synthetic 

Motion by: TC

Seconded by: LD

Additional discussion: None

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

Motion to add silver dihydrogen citrate (SDC) at §205.605(b) 

Motion by: TC

Seconded by: LD

Additional discussion: None

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

• Collagen Gel (casing). The group reviewed the classification of collagen gel based on the materials 

classification guidance and technical report (TR), acknowledging that it isn’t straight forward. 

Members also discussed ancillary substances, and collagen gel in relation to gelatin and glycerin. 

The group discussed voting on ag/non-ag separate from synthetic or non-synthetic. The lead will 

modify the draft document and send it to the members for email votes since the proposal 

submission deadline is this week. 

Motion to classify collagen gel as agricultural.

Motion by: Asa Bradman

Seconded by: Harriet Behar

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

Motion to add collagen gel as petitioned at §205.606.

Motion by: Asa Bradman

Seconded by: Tom Chapman

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

• Celery powder panel logistics, facilitation, intros, etc. The group briefly discussed logistics for the 

panel and will discuss this on the next call. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

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

February 19, 2019 - Last call before proposal submission deadline. 

2021 Sunsets: NVM (TC) - discuss

Silver Dihydrogen Citrate (SE/TC) - discuss proposal

2021 Sunsets: Ascorbic acid (ES) - discuss TR if available

2021 Sunsets: Peracetic acid (AB) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Tocopherols (AB) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Hydrogen peroxide (AB) - discuss

February 20, 2019 - Additional call

March 5, 2019

Discuss celery powder panel

March 19, 2019

April 2, 2019

April 16, 2019 - No call. Public comment webinar

May 7, 2019

May 21, 2019

June 4, 2019

June 18, 2019

July 2, 2019

July 16, 2019

August 6, 2019 

August 20, 2019

September 3, 2019 

September 17, 2019

October 1, 2019 

October 15, 2019

November 5, 2019 

November 19, 2019

December 3, 2019 

December 17, 2019
Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Cont

act

Doc type Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target 

meeting

Silver Dihydrogen 

Citrate

Petition Addendum 

#1

Petition addendum 

#2

205.605(b) TC/ 

SE

Proposal Petition sent to HS 01 24 17. 

Response/request for TR due 03 28 

17. Petition found sufficient 03 07 

17. HS requested TR 03 07 14. TR in 

development. Petition addendum 

sent to HS 08 03 17. TR sent to HS 

10 19 17/ Suff due 12 19 17. HS 

sent additional questions to TR 

contractor 12 05 17. TR under 

revision. Revised TR sent to HS 02 

21 18. Response due 04 23 18. TR

found sufficient 05 15 18. Petition 

addendum sent to HS 06 29 18.

02 19 19

02 20 19

Spr 2019

Pullulan 205.605(a) LD Proposal Petition sent to HS 02 27 18.

Sufficiency due 04 30 18. Petition 

found suff 04 03 18. HS requested 

TR 04 03 18. TR sent to HS 09 12 

18. Response due 11 12 18. TR 

found sufficient 10 02 18

11 20 18 Spr 2019

Collagen Gel (casing) §205.606 AB Proposal Petition sent to HS 03 23 18. 

Petition Sufficiency due 5 22 18. 

Petition found sufficient 5 15 18. 

HS requested TR 5 15 18. TR in 

development. Expected Sep 2018. 

TR sent to HS 10 30 18. Response 

due 12 28 18. HS sent additional 

questions to contractor. Revised TR 

sent to HS 01 30 19. Response due 

03 31 19. TR found sufficient 02 05 

19

11 20 2018

01 29 2019

02 05 2019

02 20 2019

Spr 2019

2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Target 

meeting

Alginic acid 205.605(a) ES N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

01 29 19 Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Calcium chloride 205.605(a) TC N 1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “
Citric acid 205.605(a) ES N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

01 29 19 “

Dairy cultures 205.605(a) SE N 1995 TAP

See 2014 TR for microorganisms

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 04 18 “

Enzymes 205.605(a) SE N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 04 18 “

Lactic acid 205.605(a) ES N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

01 29 19 “

L-Malic acid 205.605(a) ES Y 2003 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec

01 29 19 “

Magnesium sulfate 205.605(a) SR N 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Microorganisms 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

12 04 18 “

Perlite 205.605(a) SR N 1996 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Potassium iodide 205.605(a) TC N 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Yeast 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 04 18 “

Activated charcoal 205.605(b) SR N 2002 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Ascorbic acid 205.605(b) ES Y 1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec. Revised TR due 03/2019

01 29 19 “

Calcium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 18 18 “

Ferrous sulfate 205.605(b) TC N 1995 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Hydrogen peroxide 205.605(b) AB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops)

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 19 19 “

Nutrient vitamins 

and minerals

205.605(b) TC N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 19 19 “

Peracetic acid 205.605(b) AB N 2016 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

02 19 19 “
Potassium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 18 18 “

Potassium 

phosphate

205.605(b) TC N 1995 TAP

Phosphates TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Sodium acid 

pyrophosphate

205.605(b) SR N 2001 TAP

2010 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Sodium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 18 18 “

Tocopherols 205.605(b) AB N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 19 19 “

Celery powder 205.606 AB Y None

2017 NOSB Recommendation

HS requested TR 05 15 18. May 

not request TR, but hold panel 

instead. 

02 19 19 “

Fish oil 205.606 TC N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Gelatin 205.606 ARB Y 2002 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

HS requested TR 05 15 18 -

combined with collagen gel and 

casings TR

12 18 18

02 05 19

“

Orange pulp, dried 205.606 ARB N None

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 18 18

02 05 19

“

Seaweed, Pacific 

kombu

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 18 18

02 05 19

“

Seaweed, Wakame 

(Undaria 

pinnatifida)

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2017 NOSB Recommendation

01 08 19

02 05 19

“

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Target 

meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development, expected mid-Sep -

delayed. TR received 9/30/16. In review by the program. TR sent 

to HS 10 19 16. TR sufficiency due 12 20 16. TR found insufficient 

12 20 16. Vote: 02 21 17. New TR in development. Expected July 

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

sufficient 08 01 17. ON HOLD. 

Discussion doc 

TBD
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 01 12 16. ON HOLD pending NOP action. 

TBD

Celery Powder panel ALL Discussed 02 05 19, 02 19 19 Spr 2019

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2019 Fall 2019

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

Spring 2019 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Nov 26, 2018

NOSB – Spring 2019 proposals due to NOP Feb 21, 2019

NOP - Draft Spring 2019 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 4, 2019

NOP - Post proposals Mar 6, 2019

Public comment closes Apr 4, 2019

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Apr 13, 2019

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 8, 2019

Public comment webinars Apr 16 & 18, 2019

Spring 2019 NOSB meeting - Seattle, WA Apr 24 - 26, 2019
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 19, 2019 1:00 pm ET

Present: Asa Bradman (AB) ), Chair; Lisa de Lima (LD), Vice Chair; Harriet Behar (HB); Tom Chapman (TC)

Scott Rice, (SR) 

Absent: Steve Ela (SE); A-dae Briones (ARB)

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

Agenda

• 2021 Sunsets: NVM (TC) - discuss

• 2021 Sunsets: Peracetic acid (AB) - discuss

• 2021 Sunsets: Tocopherols (AB) - discuss

• 2021 Sunsets: Hydrogen peroxide (AB) - discuss

• Silver Dihydrogen Citrate (SE/TC) - discuss proposal

• Panel logistics, facilitation, intros, etc.

• Adjourn

Discussion

• 2021 Sunsets: NVM (TC). The lead discussed the category of nutrient vitamins and minerals, noting 

the history and controversy of this listing. The HS will include questions for public comment in the 

first posting of the review. 

• 2021 Sunsets: Peracetic acid (AB). The lead summarized the review, noting that peracetic acid is 

essential and a key component in sanitizing and food safety. 

• 2021 Sunsets: Hydrogen peroxide (AB). The lead discussed hydrogen peroxide, indicating that it is 

very similar to peracetic acid, and is used as sanitizer and in food safety.

• 2021 Sunsets: Tocopherols (AB). The lead summarized the manufacture and uses of tocopherols. 

There was a list of ancillary substances included in the 2015 TR, which is included in this review 

document, along with some questions about additional ancillaries. A member noted that the NOSB 

is not currently reviewing ancillaries, however, the Subcommittees are keeping a list until the NOP 

determines how to move forward with the previous NOSB recommendation. The lead will make 

some edits based on comments from other members.

• Silver Dihydrogen Citrate (SE/TC). The members discussed the current iteration of the proposal, 

and will continue the discussion on a call scheduled for tomorrow. 

• 2021 Sunsets: Celery Powder. The lead summarized the review and the members briefly discussed 

the celery powder panel that they will host at the Spring NOSB meeting. The lead added questions 

and will send them to the group for additional feedback before finalizing.

• Celery powder panel logistics, facilitation, intros, etc. 4 panel members chosen. The group briefly 

discussed questions for the panel.

• Collagen Gel (casing). The draft review was circulated to the members and the lead summarized it. 

Collagen gel is similar to other casings on the list. Members suggested using the decision tree to 

determine the classification. The HS will continue the discussion and vote on collagen gel during the 

next call. 

• The meeting was adjourned

•
Previous HS Notes

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

February 5, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Gelatin (ARB) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Orange pulp, dried (ARB) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Pacific kombu (ARB) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) (ARB) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Magnesium sulfate (SR) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Perlite (SR) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Activated charcoal (SR) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Sodium acid pyrophosphate (SR) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Celery powder (AB) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Calcium chloride (TC) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Potassium iodide (TC) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Ferrous sulfate (TC) - discuss 

2021 Sunsets: Potassium phosphate (TC) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Fish Oil (TC) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: NVM (TC) - discuss

Silver Dihydrogen Citrate (SE/TC) - discuss proposal

February 19, 2019 - Last call before proposal submission deadline. 

2021 Sunsets: NVM (TC) - discuss

Silver Dihydrogen Citrate (SE/TC) - discuss proposal

2021 Sunsets: Ascorbic acid (ES) - discuss TR if available

2021 Sunsets: Peracetic acid (AB) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Tocopherols (AB) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Hydrogen peroxide (AB) - discuss

March 5, 2019

Collagen Gel (casing) - Discuss proposal

March 19, 2019

April 2, 2019

April 16, 2019 - No call. Public comment webinar

May 7, 2019

May 21, 2019

June 4, 2019

June 18, 2019

July 2, 2019

July 16, 2019

August 6, 2019 

August 20, 2019

September 3, 2019 

September 17, 2019

October 1, 2019 

October 15, 2019

November 5, 2019 

November 19, 2019

December 3, 2019 

December 17, 2019
Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Cont

act

Doc type Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target 

meeting

Silver Dihydrogen 

Citrate

Petition Addendum 

#1

Petition addendum 

#2

205.605(b) TC/ 

SE

Proposal Petition sent to HS 01 24 17. 

Response/request for TR due 03 28 

17. Petition found sufficient 03 07 

17. HS requested TR 03 07 14. TR in 

development. Petition addendum 

sent to HS 08 03 17. TR sent to HS 

10 19 17/ Suff due 12 19 17. HS 

sent additional questions to TR 

contractor 12 05 17. TR under 

revision. Revised TR sent to HS 02 

21 18. Response due 04 23 18. TR

found sufficient 05 15 18. Petition 

addendum sent to HS 06 29 18.

02 20 19 Spr 2019

Pullulan 205.605(a) LD Proposal Petition sent to HS 02 27 18.

Sufficiency due 04 30 18. Petition 

found suff 04 03 18. HS requested 

TR 04 03 18. TR sent to HS 09 12 

18. Response due 11 12 18. TR 

found sufficient 10 02 18

11 20 18 Spr 2019

Collagen Gel (casing) §205.606 AB Proposal Petition sent to HS 03 23 18. 

Petition Sufficiency due 5 22 18. 

Petition found sufficient 5 15 18. 

HS requested TR 5 15 18. TR in 

development. Expected Sep 2018. 

TR sent to HS 10 30 18. Response 

due 12 28 18. HS sent additional 

questions to contractor. Revised TR 

sent to HS 01 30 19. Response due 

03 31 19. TR found sufficient 02 05 

19

11 20 2018

01 29 2019

02 05 2019

02 20 2019

Spr 2019

2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Target 

meeting

Alginic acid 205.605(a) ES N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

01 29 19 Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Calcium chloride 205.605(a) TC N 1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “
Citric acid 205.605(a) ES N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

01 29 19 “

Dairy cultures 205.605(a) SE N 1995 TAP

See 2014 TR for microorganisms

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 04 18 “

Enzymes 205.605(a) SE N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 04 18 “

Lactic acid 205.605(a) ES N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

01 29 19 “

L-Malic acid 205.605(a) ES Y 2003 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec

01 29 19 “

Magnesium sulfate 205.605(a) SR N 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Microorganisms 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

12 04 18 “

Perlite 205.605(a) SR N 1996 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Potassium iodide 205.605(a) TC N 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Yeast 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 04 18 “

Activated charcoal 205.605(b) SR N 2002 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Ascorbic acid 205.605(b) ES Y 1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec. Revised TR due 03/2019

01 29 19 “

Calcium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 18 18 “

Ferrous sulfate 205.605(b) TC N 1995 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Hydrogen peroxide 205.605(b) AB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops)

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 19 19 “

Nutrient vitamins 

and minerals

205.605(b) TC N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 19 19 “

Peracetic acid 205.605(b) AB N 2016 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

02 19 19 “
Potassium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 18 18 “

Potassium 

phosphate

205.605(b) TC N 1995 TAP

Phosphates TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Sodium acid 

pyrophosphate

205.605(b) SR N 2001 TAP

2010 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Sodium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 18 18 “

Tocopherols 205.605(b) AB N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 19 19 “

Celery powder 205.606 AB Y None

2017 NOSB Recommendation

HS requested TR 05 15 18. May 

not request TR, but hold panel 

instead. 

02 19 19 “

Fish oil 205.606 TC N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Gelatin 205.606 ARB Y 2002 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

HS requested TR 05 15 18 -

combined with collagen gel and 

casings TR

12 18 18

02 05 19

“

Orange pulp, dried 205.606 ARB N None

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 18 18

02 05 19

“

Seaweed, Pacific 

kombu

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 18 18

02 05 19

“

Seaweed, Wakame 

(Undaria 

pinnatifida)

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2017 NOSB Recommendation

01 08 19

02 05 19

“

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Target 

meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development, expected mid-Sep -

delayed. TR received 9/30/16. In review by the program. TR sent 

to HS 10 19 16. TR sufficiency due 12 20 16. TR found insufficient 

12 20 16. Vote: 02 21 17. New TR in development. Expected July 

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

sufficient 08 01 17. ON HOLD. 

Discussion doc 

TBD
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 01 12 16. ON HOLD pending NOP action. 

TBD

Celery Powder panel ALL Discussed 02 05 19, 02 19 19 Spr 2019

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2019 Fall 2019

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

Spring 2019 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Nov 26, 2018

NOSB – Spring 2019 proposals due to NOP Feb 21, 2019

NOP - Draft Spring 2019 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 4, 2019

NOP - Post proposals Mar 6, 2019

Public comment closes Apr 4, 2019

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Apr 13, 2019

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 8, 2019

Public comment webinars Apr 16 & 18, 2019

Spring 2019 NOSB meeting - Seattle, WA Apr 24 - 26, 2019
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 5, 2019 1:00 pm ET

Present: Asa Bradman (AB) ), Chair; Lisa de Lima (LD), Vice Chair; Harriet Behar (HB); Tom Chapman (TC)

Steve Ela (SE); Eric Schwartz (ES); Scott Rice, (SR); 

Absent: A-dae Briones (ARB)

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

Agenda

• 2021 Sunsets: Gelatin (ARB) - discuss

• 2021 Sunsets: Orange pulp, dried (ARB) - discuss

• 2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Pacific kombu (ARB) - discuss

• 2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) (ARB) - discuss

• 2021 Sunsets: Magnesium sulfate (SR) - discuss

• 2021 Sunsets: Perlite (SR) - discuss

• 2021 Sunsets: Activated charcoal (SR) - discuss

• 2021 Sunsets: Sodium acid pyrophosphate (SR) - discuss

• 2021 Sunsets: Celery powder (AB) - discuss

• 2021 Sunsets: Calcium chloride (TC) - discuss

• 2021 Sunsets: Potassium iodide (TC) - discuss

• 2021 Sunsets: Ferrous sulfate (TC) - discuss 

• 2021 Sunsets: Potassium phosphate (TC) - discuss

• 2021 Sunsets: Fish Oil (TC) - discuss

• 2021 Sunsets: NVM (TC) - discuss

• Silver Dihydrogen Citrate (SE/TC) - discuss proposal

• Adjourn

Discussion

• 2021 Sunsets: Gelatin (ARB). The group approved the revisions to the draft review that were 

discussed on the December 18 call and will post it for public comment. 

• 2021 Sunsets: Orange pulp, dried (ARB). The group approved the revisions to the draft review that 

were discussed on the December 18 call and will post it for public comment. 

• 2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Pacific kombu (ARB). The group approved the revisions to the draft review 

that were discussed on the December 18 call and will post it for public comment. 

• 2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) (ARB). The group approved the revisions 

to the draft review that were discussed on the December 18 call and will post it for public 

comment. 

• 2021 Sunsets: Magnesium sulfate (SR). The lead added additional language to the draft review and 

the group approved it for posting. 

• 2021 Sunsets: Perlite (SR). The lead added additional language and the group approved the review 

document for posting. 

• 2021 Sunsets: Activated charcoal (SR). The lead added additional language and the group approved 

the review for posting. 
• 2021 Sunsets: Sodium acid pyrophosphate (SR). The lead added some additional language and the 

group approved the review for posting. 

• 2021 Sunsets: Celery powder (AB). The HS Chair presented the sunset review and the group also 

discussed the celery powder panel. The Chair reached out to several stakeholders and the group 

discussed a potential fourth panelist for the celery powder panel. The Chair will contact two 

potential experts in human health and will follow up with the NOP.

• 2021 Sunsets: Calcium chloride (TC). The lead summarized the uses of the substance and the group 

discussed salts in general. The HS will post the review for public comment. 

• 2021 Sunsets: Potassium iodide (TC). The lead summarized the uses of the substance and the 

group discussed the questions for posting for public comment. Listed twice because we have a 

category for NVM (synthetic) and it is also listed as non-synthetic. Question pertains to use. 

• 2021 Sunsets: Ferrous sulfate (TC). The lead noted that the TR is from 1995. The lead summarized 

the materials’ uses and added a question about NVM for public comment.

• 2021 Sunsets: Potassium phosphate (TC). The lead summarized the uses of the substance, and the 

group discussed modifications to the text and the questions for public comment. 

• 2021 Sunsets: Fish Oil (TC). The lead summarized the review and the group discussed essentiality 

and international use, noting that it is used widely in many products. 

• 2021 Sunsets: NVM (TC). Deferred to next call.

• Silver Dihydrogen Citrate (SE/TC). Deferred to next call.

• Additional Items: The lead indicated that the TR for collagen gel was found sufficient

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

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

January 29, 2019

Collagen gel proposal - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Citric acid (ES) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Lactic acid (ES) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Alginic acid (ES) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: L-Malic acid (ES) - discuss

February 5, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Gelatin (ARB) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Orange pulp, dried (ARB) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Pacific kombu (ARB) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) (ARB) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Magnesium sulfate (SR) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Perlite (SR) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Activated charcoal (SR) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Sodium acid pyrophosphate (SR) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Celery powder (AB) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Calcium chloride (TC) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Potassium iodide (TC) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Ferrous sulfate (TC) - discuss 

2021 Sunsets: Potassium phosphate (TC) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Fish Oil (TC) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: NVM (TC) - discuss

Silver Dihydrogen Citrate (SE/TC) - discuss proposal
February 19, 2019 - Last call before proposal submission deadline. 

2021 Sunsets: NVM (TC) - discuss

Silver Dihydrogen Citrate (SE/TC) - discuss proposal

2021 Sunsets: Ascorbic acid (ES) - discuss TR if available

2021 Sunsets: Peracetic acid (AB) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Tocopherols (AB) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Hydrogen peroxide (AB) - discuss

March 5, 2019

Collagen Gel (casing) - Discuss proposal

March 19, 2019

April 2, 2019

April 16, 2019 - No call. Public comment webinar

May 7, 2019

May 21, 2019

June 4, 2019

June 18, 2019

July 2, 2019

July 16, 2019

August 6, 2019 

August 20, 2019

September 3, 2019 

September 17, 2019

October 1, 2019 

October 15, 2019

November 5, 2019 

November 19, 2019

December 3, 2019 

December 17, 2019

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Cont

act

Doc type Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target 

meeting

Silver Dihydrogen 

Citrate

Petition Addendum 

#1

Petition addendum 

#2

205.605(b) TC/ 

SE

Proposal Petition sent to HS 01 24 17. 

Response/request for TR due 03 28 

17. Petition found sufficient 03 07 

17. HS requested TR 03 07 14. TR in 

development. Petition addendum 

sent to HS 08 03 17. TR sent to HS 

10 19 17/ Suff due 12 19 17. HS 

sent additional questions to TR 

contractor 12 05 17. TR under 

revision. Revised TR sent to HS 02 

21 18. Response due 04 23 18. TR

found sufficient 05 15 18. Petition 

addendum sent to HS 06 29 18.

02 19 19 Spr 2019
Pullulan 205.605(a) LD Proposal Petition sent to HS 02 27 18.

Sufficiency due 04 30 18. Petition 

found suff 04 03 18. HS requested 

TR 04 03 18. TR sent to HS 09 12 

18. Response due 11 12 18. TR 

found sufficient 10 02 18

11 20 18 Spr 2019

Collagen Gel (casing) §205.606 AB Proposal Petition sent to HS 03 23 18. 

Petition Sufficiency due 5 22 18. 

Petition found sufficient 5 15 18. 

HS requested TR 5 15 18. TR in 

development. Expected Sep 2018. 

TR sent to HS 10 30 18. Response 

due 12 28 18. HS sent additional 

questions to contractor. Revised TR 

sent to HS 01 30 19. Response due 

03 31 19.

11 20 2018

01 29 2019

03 05 2019

Spr 2019

2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Target 

meeting

Alginic acid 205.605(a) ES N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

01 29 19 Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Calcium chloride 205.605(a) TC N 1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Citric acid 205.605(a) ES N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

01 29 19 “

Dairy cultures 205.605(a) SE N 1995 TAP

See 2014 TR for microorganisms

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 04 18 “

Enzymes 205.605(a) SE N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 04 18 “

Lactic acid 205.605(a) ES N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

01 29 19 “

L-Malic acid 205.605(a) ES Y 2003 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec

01 29 19 “

Magnesium sulfate 205.605(a) SR N 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “
Microorganisms 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

12 04 18 “

Perlite 205.605(a) SR N 1996 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Potassium iodide 205.605(a) TC N 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Yeast 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 04 18 “

Activated charcoal 205.605(b) SR N 2002 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Ascorbic acid 205.605(b) ES Y 1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec

01 29 19

02 19 19

“

Calcium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 18 18 “

Ferrous sulfate 205.605(b) TC N 1995 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Hydrogen peroxide 205.605(b) AB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops)

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 19 19 “

Nutrient vitamins 

and minerals

205.605(b) TC N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 19 19 “

Peracetic acid 205.605(b) AB N 2016 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

02 19 19 “

Potassium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 18 18 “

Potassium 

phosphate

205.605(b) TC N 1995 TAP

Phosphates TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Sodium acid 

pyrophosphate

205.605(b) SR N 2001 TAP

2010 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Sodium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 18 18 “

Tocopherols 205.605(b) AB N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 19 19 “
Celery powder 205.606 AB Y None

2017 NOSB Recommendation

HS requested TR 05 15 18. May 

not request TR, but hold panel 

instead. 

02 05 19 “

Fish oil 205.606 TC N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Gelatin 205.606 ARB Y 2002 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

HS requested TR 05 15 18 -

combined with collagen gel and 

casings TR

12 18 18

02 05 19

“

Orange pulp, dried 205.606 ARB N None

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 18 18

02 05 19

“

Seaweed, Pacific 

kombu

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 18 18

02 05 19

“

Seaweed, Wakame 

(Undaria 

pinnatifida)

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2017 NOSB Recommendation

01 08 19

02 05 19

“

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Target 

meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development, expected mid-Sep -

delayed. TR received 9/30/16. In review by the program. TR sent 

to HS 10 19 16. TR sufficiency due 12 20 16. TR found insufficient 

12 20 16. Vote: 02 21 17. New TR in development. Expected July 

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

sufficient 08 01 17. ON HOLD. 

Discussion doc 

TBD

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 01 12 16. ON HOLD pending NOP action. 

TBD

Celery Powder panel ALL Discussed 02 05 19, 02 19 19 Spr 2019

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2019 Fall 2019

*Highlight indicates committee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion and/or vote
Spring 2019 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Nov 26, 2018

NOSB – Spring 2019 proposals due to NOP Feb 21, 2019

NOP - Draft Spring 2019 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 4, 2019

NOP - Post proposals Mar 6, 2019

Public comment closes Apr 4, 2019

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Apr 13, 2019

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 8, 2019

Public comment webinars Apr 16 & 18, 2019

Spring 2019 NOSB meeting - Seattle, WA Apr 24 - 26, 2019
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 29, 2019 1:00 pm ET

Present: Asa Bradman (AB) ), Chair; Lisa de Lima (LD), Vice Chair; Harriet Behar (HB); Tom Chapman (TC)

Steve Ela (SE); Eric Schwartz (ES)

Absent: Scott Rice, (SR); A-dae Briones (ARB)

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

Agenda

• 2021 Sunsets: Alginic acid (ES) - discuss

• 2021 Sunsets: Citric acid (ES) - discuss

• 2021 Sunsets: Lactic acid (ES) - discuss

• 2021 Sunsets: L-Malic acid (ES) - discuss

• 2021 Sunsets: Ascorbic acid (ES) - discuss

• Collagen gel proposal (AB) - discuss

• 2021 Sunsets: Potassium phosphate (TC) - discuss

• 2021 Sunsets: Calcium chloride (TC) - discuss

• 2021 Sunsets: Potassium iodide (TC) - discuss

• 2021 Sunsets: Ferrous sulfate (TC) - discuss 

• 2021 Sunsets: NVM (TC) - discuss

• Adjourn

Discussion

• 2021 Sunsets: Alginic acid (ES). The lead summarized the substance and the members discussed

the relationship of alginic acid to the Materials’ Subcommittee discussion document on marine 

materials. A member asked about the sunset date, as alginic acid was reclassified (from 

nonsynthetic to synthetic) in a final rule published on December 27, 2018. It was previously 

renewed March 15, 2017 (82 FR 14420) with a sunset date of March 15, 2022. The NOP noted that 

the December 27, 2018 final rule should not affect sunset dates if the final rule changed only the 

annotation or classification of a substance that was already on the National List. 

• 2021 Sunsets: Citric acid (ES). The lead summarized the uses of citric acid noting that it is used 

widely in industry (75% of all citric acid is used in the food industry). The HS may add a question 

about organic sources.

• 2021 Sunsets: Lactic acid (ES). The lead summarized the substance and its uses and manufacture. 

The group discussed synthetic versus non-synthetic lactic acid and will add a question to the review 

for public comment.

• 2021 Sunsets: Ascorbic acid (ES). The NOP received the TR just prior to the shutdown on December 

21, 2018 and will send it to the HS as soon as it is reviewed. The lead summarized the uses and 

manufacture of ascorbic acid, and noted that this is the main source of vitamin C.

• 2021 Sunsets: L-Malic acid (ES). The lead summarized uses and manufacture of L-malic acid, the 

majority of which is produced through fermentation. The HS will add some questions to the review 

and post it for comment. The NOP received the TR just prior to the shutdown on December 21, 

2018 and will send it to the HS as soon as it is reviewed.

• Collagen gel (AB). The lead will draft a document and the HS will schedule a discussion on a future 

call. NOP expects to deliver the revised TR to the HS by the end of this week.
• Celery Powder panel. The Handling Subcommittee along with the NOP selected several potential 

panelists to represent a broad cross section of the community. Ideally there will be four panelists 

with expertise in the following areas: producer/grower of organic celery, human health impacts of 

nitrates and nitrites, manufacturing of celery powder, and a handling representative who has 

knowledge of sourcing celery powder. The HS is seeking a human health expert who can speak to 

naturally derived vs. synthetically derived nitrates. AB is awaiting input from one other person and 

the HS will solidify the list by February 5.

• 2021 Sunsets: Potassium phosphate (TC). Deferred to next call due to lack of time

• 2021 Sunsets: Calcium chloride (TC). Deferred to next call due to lack of time

• 2021 Sunsets: Potassium iodide (TC). Deferred to next call due to lack of time

• 2021 Sunsets: Ferrous sulfate (TC). Deferred to next call due to lack of time

• 2021 Sunsets: NVM (TC). Deferred to next call due to lack of time

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous HS Notes

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

December 18, 2018

Celery powder panel discussion

2021 Sunsets: Calcium citrate (LD) - discuss 

2021 Sunsets: Potassium citrate (LD) - discuss 

2021 Sunsets: Sodium citrate (LD) - discuss 

2021 Sunsets: Calcium citrate (LD) - discuss 

2021 Sunsets: Gelatin (ARB) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Orange pulp, dried (ARB) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Pacific kombu (ARB) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) (ARB) - discuss

January 15, 2019 – cancelled due to shutdown

2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) (ARB) - discuss 

2021 Sunsets: Magnesium sulfate (SR) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Perlite (SR) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Activated charcoal (SR) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Sodium acid pyrophosphate (SR) - discuss

January 29, 2019

Collagen gel proposal - discuss/vote

2021 Sunsets: Citric acid (ES) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Lactic acid (ES) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Alginic acid (ES) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: L-Malic acid (ES) - discuss

February 5, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Gelatin (ARB) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Orange pulp, dried (ARB) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Pacific kombu (ARB) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Seaweed, Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) (ARB) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Magnesium sulfate (SR) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Perlite (SR) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Activated charcoal (SR) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Sodium acid pyrophosphate (SR) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Celery powder (AB) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Calcium chloride (TC) - discuss
2021 Sunsets: Potassium iodide (TC) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Ferrous sulfate (TC) - discuss 

2021 Sunsets: Potassium phosphate (TC) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Fish Oil (TC) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: NVM (TC) - discuss

Silver Dihydrogen Citrate (SE/TC) - discuss proposal

Collagen gel proposal - discuss/vote

February 19, 2019 - Last call before proposal submission deadline. 

2021 Sunsets: Ascorbic acid (ES) - discuss TR if available

2021 Sunsets: Peracetic acid (AB) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Tocopherols (AB) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Hydrogen peroxide (AB) - discuss

Silver Dihydrogen Citrate - discuss proposal

March 5, 2019

March 19, 2019

April 2, 2019

April 16, 2019 - No call. Public comment webinar

May 7, 2019

May 21, 2019

June 4, 2019

June 18, 2019

July 2, 2019

July 16, 2019

August 6, 2019 

August 20, 2019

September 3, 2019 

September 17, 2019

October 1, 2019 

October 15, 2019

November 5, 2019 

November 19, 2019

December 3, 2019 

December 17, 2019
Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance National 

List §

Cont

act

Doc type Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target 

meeting

Silver Dihydrogen 

Citrate

Petition Addendum 

#1

Petition addendum 

#2

205.605(b) TC/ 

SE

Proposal Petition sent to HS 01 24 17. 

Response/request for TR due 03 28 

17. Petition found sufficient 03 07 

17. HS requested TR 03 07 14. TR in 

development. Petition addendum 

sent to HS 08 03 17. TR sent to HS 

10 19 17/ Suff due 12 19 17. HS 

sent additional questions to TR 

contractor 12 05 17. TR under 

revision. Revised TR sent to HS 02 

21 18. Response due 04 23 18. TR

found sufficient 05 15 18. Petition 

addendum sent to HS 06 29 18.

02 05 19

02 19 19

Spr 2019

Pullulan 205.605(a) LD Proposal Petition sent to HS 02 27 18.

Sufficiency due 04 30 18. Petition 

found suff 04 03 18. HS requested 

TR 04 03 18. TR sent to HS 09 12 

18. Response due 11 12 18. TR 

found sufficient 10 02 18

11 20 18 Spr 2019

Collagen Gel (casing) §205.606 AB Proposal Petition sent to HS 03 23 18. 

Petition Sufficiency due 5 22 18. 

Petition found sufficient 5 15 18. 

HS requested TR 5 15 18. TR in 

development. Expected Sep 2018. 

TR sent to HS 10 30 18. Response 

due 12 28 18. HS sent additional 

questions to contractor

11 20 2018

01 29 2019

Spr 2019

2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Target 

meeting

Alginic acid 205.605(a) ES N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

01 29 19 Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Calcium chloride 205.605(a) TC N 1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Citric acid 205.605(a) ES N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 19 19 “
Dairy cultures 205.605(a) SE N 1995 TAP

See 2014 TR for microorganisms

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 04 18 “

Enzymes 205.605(a) SE N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 04 18 “

Lactic acid 205.605(a) ES N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 19 19 “

L-Malic acid 205.605(a) ES Y 2003 TAP

2015 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec

02 19 19 “

Magnesium sulfate 205.605(a) SR N 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Microorganisms 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

12 04 18 “

Perlite 205.605(a) SR N 1996 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Potassium iodide 205.605(a) TC N 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Yeast 205.605(a) SE N 2014 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 04 18 “

Activated charcoal 205.605(b) SR N 2002 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Ascorbic acid 205.605(b) ES Y 1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation. TR 

requested 08/21/18. TR due midDec

01 29 19

02 19 19

“

Calcium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 18 18 “

Ferrous sulfate 205.605(b) TC N 1995 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Hydrogen peroxide 205.605(b) AB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops)

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 19 19 “

Nutrient vitamins 

and minerals

205.605(b) TC N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Peracetic acid 205.605(b) AB N 2016 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

02 19 19 “

Potassium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 18 18 “
Potassium 

phosphate

205.605(b) TC N 1995 TAP

Phosphates TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Sodium acid 

pyrophosphate

205.605(b) SR N 2001 TAP

2010 TR

2015 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Sodium citrate 205.605(b) LD N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 18 18 “

Tocopherols 205.605(b) AB N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 19 19 “

Celery powder 205.606 AB Y None

2017 NOSB Recommendation

HS requested TR 05 15 18. May 

not request TR, but hold panel 

instead

02 05 19 “

Fish oil 205.606 TC N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

Gelatin 205.606 ARB Y 2002 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

HS requested TR 05 15 18 -

combined with collagen gel and 

casings TR

12 18 18

02 05 19

“

Orange pulp, dried 205.606 ARB N None

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 18 18

02 05 19

“

Seaweed, Pacific 

kombu

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 18 18

02 05 19

“

Seaweed, Wakame 

(Undaria 

pinnatifida)

205.606 ARB N None. See TR for marine materials

2017 NOSB Recommendation

01 08 19

02 05 19

“

Other projects

Name Contact Notes* Target 

meeting

Packaging

substances used in 

organic food 

handling - including 

BPA

LD/AB Submitted briefing paper to NOP 01 12 14. Response memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14. TR in development, expected mid-Sep -

delayed. TR received 9/30/16. In review by the program. TR sent 

to HS 10 19 16. TR sufficiency due 12 20 16. TR found insufficient 

12 20 16. Vote: 02 21 17. New TR in development. Expected July 

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

sufficient 08 01 17. ON HOLD. 

Discussion doc 

TBD
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 01 12 16. ON HOLD pending NOP action. 

TBD

Celery Powder panel ALL Spr 2019

Research Priorities TC/ALL RPs due to MS Aug 2019 Fall 2019

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

Spring 2019 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Nov 26, 2018

NOSB – Spring 2019 proposals due to NOP Feb 21, 2019

NOP - Draft Spring 2019 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 4, 2019

NOP - Post proposals Mar 6, 2019

Public comment closes Apr 4, 2019

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Apr 13, 2019

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 8, 2019

Public comment webinars Apr 16 & 18, 2019

Spring 2019 NOSB meeting - Seattle, WA Apr 24 - 26, 2019