The National Organic Program published a final rule renewing over 200 listings on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances that were scheduled to expire this year. The rule also makes changes to the following substances (unless otherwise noted, all renewals and changes are effective June 27, 2012): 

• Only non-amidated forms of non-organic pectin, typically added to thicken jams and jellies, will be allowed when organic pectin is not commercial available.
• The listing for iodine, which is used to fortify organic foods, has been clarified.
• The allowed use of chlorine materials in organic crop production has been clarified.
• The allowed use of lignin sulfonate in organic crop production has been clarified.
• The allowed use of non-organic colors in organic processed products has been clarified. Organic colors must be used if they are commercially available.
• The allowance for streptomycin to control infections in organic apple and pear orchards has been extended until October 21, 2014.
• Effective October 21, 2012, yeast used in baked goods and other processed organic products must be organic, if commercially available and intended for human consumption.
• Effective October 21, 2012, sulfur dioxide (smoke bombs) will no longer be allowed for rodent control in organic crop production.
• Effective January 1, 2013, hops, typically used in organic beer production, must be organic.

Final Rule for Sunset Review 2012

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