Chlorine Materials (2023 Sunset Handling) Survey

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 businesses information. For more information please visit OTA.com/NOSB.

This survey is for the substance CHLORINE MATERIALS

Includes: Calcium hypochlorite, Chlorine dioxide, Hypochlorous acid, Sodium hypochlorite.
Allowed for use in disinfecting and sanitizing food contact surfaces, equipment and facilities may be used up to maximum labeled rates. Chlorine materials in water used in direct crop or food contact are permitted at levels approved by the FDA or EPA for such purpose, provided the use is followed by a rinse with potable water at or below the maximum residual disinfectant limit for the chlorine material under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Chlorine in water used as an ingredient in organic food handling must not exceed the maximum residual disinfectant limit for the chlorine material under the Safe Drinking Water Act. §205.605(b)

1.Is your operation certified organic?

Yes

2.Are chlorine materials included in your organic system plan?

Yes

Please specify which chlorine materials:

3.Which types of organic products do you use chlorine materials in/on? (e.g., yogurt, fruit juices, baked goods, etc.)

4.What function does chlorine materials 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 chlorine materials? (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. Please list any ancillary substances that are identified on the ingredient statement on the specification sheet that accompanies the substance you purchase.

7.Have you tried using any other substances as an alternative to chlorine materials? (e.g. other natural or organic substances)

Yes

If yes, please describe your search and sourcing efforts, which substances you’ve tried and whether the quantity available was sufficient and/or whether the alternative substance had the quality and form necessary to fulfill the required function of the organic product or process.

8.Are there any other management practices that would eliminate the need for chlorine materials?

Yes

If so, please describe the efficacy of the alternative management practices:

9.How would your organic handling be impacted if chlorine materials 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 chlorine materials for your organic operation:

Unnecessary (don’t need it at all)

1 star

2 stars

Neutral (nice to have but could live without it)

3 stars

4 stars

Critical (would leave organic without it)

5 stars

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.

Name

Company

Email Address

Phone Number