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Carrageenan (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 please visit OTA.com/NOSB.
 
This survey is for the substance CARRAGEENAN
Allowed for use in food processing as a gelling agent, emulsifier, and thickener. Also known as Irish Moss. §205.605(a)
1.Is your operation certified organic?
2.Is carrageenan included in your organic system plan?
3.Which types of organic products do you use carrageenan in/on? (e.g., yogurt, fruit juices, baked goods, etc.)
4.What function does carrageenan 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 carrageenan? (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 carrageenan? (e.g. other natural organic substances)
8.Are carrageenan alternatives available to replace all current uses?
9.Are there any other management practices that would eliminate the need for carrageenan?
10.How would your organic handling be impacted if carrageenan was no longer allowed? (describe the effects on product quality, economic effects, environment effects, or human health effects)
11.Would lack of carrageenan availability limit opportunities to produce vegan products?
12.On a scale from 1 to 5 stars, rate the overall necessity of carrageenan 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)
13.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.