Sodium Carbonate (2024 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 anonymously 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 SODIUM CARBONATE

§205.605(a)

Allowed for various uses in food processing such as: a raising (leavening) agent, anti-caking agent, and acidity regulator. Used in making pretzels, olives, ramen noodles, cocoa products, and more.

1.Is your operation certified organic?

Yes

2.Is sodium carbonate included in your organic system plan?

Yes

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

4.What function does sodium carbonate 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 sodium carbonate? (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 sodium carbonate?

7.Have you tried using any other substances as an alternative to sodium carbonate? (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 sodium carbonate?

Yes

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

9.How would your organic handling be impacted if sodium carbonate was 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 sodium carbonate 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 to NOSB. See ota.com/nosb for instructions.

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