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Animal Enzymes (2023 Sunset Handling)

Sunset Survey

This survey is administered by the Organic Trade Association to assess the necessity/essentiality of substances used in organic production and processing that are undergoing NOSB Sunset Review. The information collected will be passed along to NOSB via the Organic Trade Association’s comments. Please do not include any confidential business information. For more information on the NOSB Meeting and comment opportunities, please visit OTA.com/NOSB.

This survey is for the substance ANIMAL ENZYMES
Includes: Rennet—animals derived; Catalase—bovine liver; Animal lipase; Pancreatin; Pepsin; and Trypsin. Used as catalysts for biological processes that are useful in the processing of food products or ingredients, e.g. as a coagulant to curdle milk to be made into cheese or sour cream. §205.605(a)
1.Is your operation certified organic?
2.Are animal enzymes included in your organic system plan?
3.Which types of organic products do you use animal enzymes in/on? (e.g., yogurt, fruit juices, baked goods, etc.)
4.What function do animal enzymes provide in/on your organic products and why is it essential? (e.g., stabilizer, thickener, flavor, sanitizer, etc.)
5.With what frequency does your operation use animal enzymes? (e.g., seldom, as needed when a certain condition arises, routinely, etc.)
6.NOSB collects information about the "ancillary substances" (e.g. carriers, preservatives, stabilizers) that may be used to formulate commercial forms of the substance. Are there ancillary substances used in animal enzymes that are not found on the chart on page 73 of the NOSB Summary, or are there ancillary substances on the chart that you think should not be allowed? Please submit public comment explaining which substance and why.
7.Have you tried using any other substances as an alternative to animal enzymes? (e.g. other natural or organic substances)
8.Are there any other management practices that would eliminate the need for animal enzymes?
9.How would your organic handling be impacted if animal enzymes were no longer allowed? (describe the effects on product quality, economic effects, environment effects, or human health effects)
10.On a scale from 1 to 5 stars, rate the overall necessity of animal enzymes for your organic operation:
Unnecessary (don’t need it at all)
Neutral (nice to have but could live without it)
Critical (would leave organic without it)
11.You are strongly encouraged to submit your own comments by Sept 30th directly to the NOSB via Regulations.gov. 

If you would like assistance or guidance in submitting comments to NOSB, please contact Gwendolyn Wyard at gwyard@ota.com or provide your contact information below and OTA will contact you directly.