Study Urges Simplified Federal Process For Approving Ingredients For Organic Foods

A study of the current federal system for defining and regulating organic foods, especially the review process used to add or remove nonorganic substances from the “National List,” finds it flawed. According to the study, the review and petition process does not support development of organic alternatives and may actually be a hindrance. The study recommends a simpler, more efficient process for approving substances for use in organic foods. It’s an urgent situation: as the multi-ingredient organic food sector continues to grow, USDA’s National Organic Program will be faced with more complex issues. According to the researchers, it might be better if the NOP, for example, were to “incentivize the development of organic ingredients and processes by setting clear guidelines and deadlines and providing development support to food manufacturers.”