Docket Number: AMS-NOP-14-0079
Comments Due: March 19, 2018
Summary
This proposed rule would amend the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) provisions of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) organic regulations to implement recommendations submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). This rule proposes to change the use restrictions for seventeen substances allowed for organic production or handling on the National List: Micronutrients; chlorhexidine; parasiticides; fenbendazole; moxidectin; xylazine; lidocaine; procaine; methionine; excipients; alginic acid; flavors; carnauba wax; chlorine; cellulose; colors; and, glycerin. This rule also proposes to add sixteen new substances on the National List to be allowed in organic production or handling: Hypochlorous acid; magnesium oxide; squid byproducts; activated charcoal; calcium borogluconate; calcium propionate; injectable vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes; kaolin pectin; mineral oil; propylene glycol; acidified sodium chlorite; zinc sulfate; potassium lactate; and, sodium lactate. In addition, this proposed rule would list the botanical pesticide, rotenone, as a prohibited substance in organic crop production. Finally, this proposed rule would remove ivermectin as an allowed parasiticide for use in organic livestock production.
Submit Comments
Interested persons may comment on the proposed rule using the following procedures:
- Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
- Mail: Robert Pooler, Standards Division, National Organic Program, USDA-AMS-NOP, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Room 2642-S., Ag Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250-0268. Telephone: (202) 720-3252.
Instructions: All submissions received must include the docket number AMS-NOP-14-0079; NOP-14-05, and/or Regulatory Information Number (RIN) 0581-AD60 for this rulemaking. When submitting a comment, clearly indicate the proposed rule topic and section number to which your comment refers. In addition, comments should clearly indicate whether you support or oppose the action being proposed and the reason(s) for your position. Your comments can also include information on alternative management practices, where applicable, that support alternatives to the proposed amendments. You should also offer any recommended language change(s) that would be appropriate to your position. Please include relevant information and data to support your position, such as scientific, environmental, manufacturing, industry, or impact information, or similar sources. Only relevant material supporting your position should be submitted. All comments received will be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov.
Document: For access to read background documents or comments received, go to http://www.regulations.gov. Comments submitted in response to this proposed rule will also be available for viewing in person at USDA-AMS, National Organic Program, Room 2642-South Building, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday (except official Federal holidays). Persons wanting to visit the USDA South Building to view comments received in response to this proposed rule are requested to make an appointment in advance by calling (202) 720-3252.
Contact Information
Robert Pooler, Standards Division, National Organic Program. Telephone: (202) 720-3252
Supporting Documents