Sodium hydroxide (2022 Sunset Handling)

Overview and Survey Questions

This survey is for the substance SODIUM HYDROXIDE

Uses in organic processing/handling: Allowed as an ingredient or processing aid, except prohibited for use in lye peeling of fruits and vegetables. Used in pretzel manufacturing as caustic bath. Used as processing aid for cocoa manufacturing and for removing bitterness from olives.

Reference on the National List: §205.605 Nonagricultural (nonorganic) substances allowed as ingredients in or on processed products labeled as “organic” or “made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s)).” (b) Synthetics allowed: Sodium hydroxide—prohibited for use in lye peeling of fruits and vegetables.

Question Title

* 1. Please describe the types of organic products produced or handled on your operation:

Question Title

* 2. How many states are your products sold in? Are they exported to other countries?

Question Title

* 3. How many years has your operation been certified organic?

Question Title

* 4. Which organic products do you use this substance on/in? (e.g., yogurt, fruit juices, baked goods, etc.)

Question Title

* 5. What function does the substance provide in your organic products and why is it essential? (e.g., stabilizer, thickener, flavor, sanitizer, etc.)

Question Title

* 6. With what frequency does your operation use the substance? (e.g., seldom, as needed when a certain condition arises, routinely, etc.)

Question Title

* 7. Have you conducted a search for the availability of natural (if the substance in question is synthetic) or organic (if the substance in question is natural) alternatives? (e.g. using yeast instead of chemical leavening agents)

If so, please describe what your search entailed.

Based on your search, describe the availability of allowed alternatives (organic or natural) in terms of quality, quantity and form:

If available, have you conducted research (e.g. R & D trials) on the use of allowed natural or organic alternatives in your organic product(s)? Briefly describe the results. Did they meet your specification requirements?

Question Title

* 8. Are there any other management practices that would eliminate the need for the substance? (e.g., delayed harvesting instead of using a chemical growth hormone for ripening). If so, please describe the efficacy of the alternative management practices:

Question Title

* 9. Describe the impact to your operation should you no longer be allowed to use the substance:

Organic product effects (effects to the quality of the organic product(s) you are marketing):

Environmental effects (effects to environment if the substance was no longer allowed; effects to environment from potential alternatives):

Economic effects (effects to economic health of your operation):

Question Title

* 10. On a scale from 1 to 5 stars, rate the overall essentially of this substance 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)

Unnecessary (don’t need it at all)

Neutral (nice to have but could live without it)

Critical (would leave organic without it)

Question Title

* 11. 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.

Thank you for completing this survey!

OTA will incorporate this information into our comments to the NOSB. We also strongly encourage companies to submit their own comments directly to the NOSB regarding your use of this substance. If you would like assistance or guidance in submitting comments to NOSB, please contact Johanna Mirenda, OTA Farm Policy Director, at jmirenda@ota.com.