Colors To Be Removed From the National List (7CFR 205.605) in October 2007

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) met in Crystal City, Virginia, on October 17 – 19, 2006. Among the many agenda items discussed was the status of nonsynthetic colors, which are currently listed in 205.605 as allowed non-agricultural ingredients for use in processed products making an “organic” and “made with organic (specified ingredients or food groups)” claim. The NOSB voted to sunset colors, which means that, as of October 22, 2007, colors will not be renewed as an approved non-agricultural substance on the National List. This decision was made because the NOSB never recommended that colors be included on the National List.

The Sunset Review

The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) authorizes the establishment of the National List of allowed and prohibited substances. The National List identifies synthetic substances that are allowed and nonsynthetic substances that are prohibited in organic crop and livestock production. The National List also identifies nonsynthetic substances and synthetic substances that are allowed for use in organic handling. The substances on the National List are required to be reviewed every five years by the NOSB. This is referred to as the Sunset Review. The removal of colors from the National List is a part of the NOSB’s sunset review.

What Happens Now?

If you are using colors that are not certified organic in your products you will be asked to provide QAI with your plan to bring your products into compliance by October 22, 2007. Aside from removing colors all together from products, there are other options. For products making an “Organic” claim, you can source color ingredients that are either certified organic or listed on the National List, section 205.606, and proven to be commercially unavailable in organic form.  For products making a “Made with Organic (specified ingredients or food groups)” claim, you can source non-organic agricultural ingredients that impart color (e.g., turmeric, paprika, beet juice) so long as these ingredients are: 1) produced without excluded methods, irradiation, and sewage sludge; and 2) added to the product in quantities that do not jeopardize the product’s “Made with Organic (specified ingredients or food groups)” claim.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your Account Coordinator at QAI.

QAI Appoints New Technical Manager

Quality Assurance International, Inc. is proud to announce the appointment of a new technical manager - Sue Baird.

In her new role, Ms. Baird will oversee QAI technical and inspection departments. She will also serve as the technical authority for organic standards and the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP) principles. 

Prior to joining QAI, Ms. Baird was division manager for a third-party organic certification organization in Missouri.  As division manager, she worked closely with producers and processors of crops and livestock to oversee certification efforts and ensure compliance with NOP regulations. From 2002-2004, Sue developed and managed the Missouri state organic certification program.

Ms. Baird brings over 11 years experience in the organic industry and has extensive experience in orchestrating organic certification educational workshops for university personnel as well as agricultural crops, dairy, and beef producers.  She has developed workshops in collaboration with the USDA-National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service, the Independent Organic Inspector’s Association, Missouri Department of Agriculture and the University of Missouri Extension Service.  

In addition to her organic training background, Ms. Baird served on the Organic Materials Review Institute Board of Directors from 2003 to 2006, on the NASOP Board of Directors from 2002-2004, and on the Missouri Organic Association Board of Directors from 2002-2006.  She has a master’s degree in poultry diseases and a bachelor’s degree in poultry science both from the University of Arkansas.

Sue’s interests include managing her own certified organic vegetable and fruit farm back in Missouri. She and her husband take great pride in marketing organic products at the local farmers market, restaurants, and natural food stores.

Please join us in welcoming Sue to our team.

Canada Organic Regime Update

On December 22, 2006 the Canadian Organic Products Regulations was published in the Canadian Gazette, Part II. This final version of the Regulations is to be phased in over a two-year period, aiming to protect Canadian consumers against false organic claims and governing the usage of the Canadian Organic logo. The regulation governs inter-provincial and international trade, with the provinces maintaining jurisdiction over intraprovincial trade.

The Canadian Organic Regime is designed such that the Government of Canada will provide oversight of the Regime, with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) acting as the competent authority. The Organic Production Systems General Principles and Management Standards (Standard) and Organic Production Systems Permitted Substances Lists (PSL) developed by the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) will form the basis of the Regime. A draft version of the Quality Management System manual has been developed; this document will work in conjunction with the proposed Organic Products Regulations.

While much has been accomplished in the goal towards realizing the Canadian Organic Regime, there is still a lot of work to be done. During the two-year transition period, an accreditation system needs to be implemented, including accreditation bodies and certification bodies. Current documents associated with the Canadian Organic Regime are being reviewed, and may also undergo changes. Finally, the CFIA has yet to issue information on any possible recognition agreements.

QAI will continue to keep is clients apprised of the latest developments with the Canadian Organic Regime, and plans to deliver all services required to comply with the new standards. 

To view the final version of the Organic Products Regulations

http://canadagazette.gc.ca/partII/2006/20061221-x6/html/extra-e.html

Pour voir la version finale du Règlement sur les produits biologiques

http://canadagazette.gc.ca/partII/2006/20061221-x6/html/extra-f.html

If you have any additional comments about the Canadian Organic Regime, please contact your Account Coordinator or Kasey Moctezuma at kasey@qai-inc.com.

Bonne et Heureuse Année 2007!

USDA Allows Publishing of Noncompliance Letters

A Federal Register notice published December 21st, 2006 served as official notice to all accredited certifying agents, certified producers and certified handlers that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) intends to release noncompliance letters of  NOP certified operations, as well as the identities of all operators that have had their certification suspended or revoked and the reasons for the action. This information will be provided to any third party after the USDA NOP receives a written request and all applicable fees are paid. The USDA plans to review each noncompliance letter to ensure confidential business information is not release in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(4). The release of this information is a result of a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request made April 12, 2006 by an unidentified individual. 

While many in the organic industry balked at the idea of releasing certification information to the public, the USDA stated that the release of this information complies with the FOIA in which any information that is not protected from disclosure by a FOIA exemption must be provided to the public.  Further, the intention of the FOIA is to provide any person the ability to request and access any federal agency’s records, which are not protected by one of the nine exemptions under the FOIA.  Thus, records collected and maintain by the USDA under the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) are not exempt from disclosure and therefore are in accordance with the FOIA and the USDA’s FOIA implementing process. 

For further information regarding this issue, all questions should be addressed to:

Mark Bradley, Associate Deputy Administrator

National Organic Program

1400 Independences Avenue, WS., Room 4008-S, Ag Stop 0268

Washington, DC, 20250-0268

Telephone: (202) 720-3252;

Fax: (202) 205-7808;

Email: mark.bradley@usda.gov 

February 13-19th Biofach - Nurenberg, Germany - Please visit us at the QAI booth located in the USA Organic Pavilion.

March 8 - 11th Natural Products Expo West, Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA -- Please visit QAI's Tabletop at the Fresh Ideas Tent on Thursday; and stop by and see us at the Expo, Friday - Sunday in booth # 2363

March 27-29th NOSB Meeting, The Washington Plaza Hotel, Washington, D.C.

In this issue, we turn the spotlight on QAI Account Coordinator, Carrie Howard. From Zeppelin to 'hunting', Carrie rocks.

Back Story:

I was born and raised in the isolated high desert town of Ridgecrest, CA. Best known for the
the China Lake Navel Air Weapons Center, Ridgecrest is a stop on the way to popular Mammoth Lakes winter sports, and the "Gateway to Death Valley,"or as some crafty billboard vandals express: "The Gateway to Death".

Even though Ridgecrest may be less entertaining for some, growing up in the desert away from a big city led me to appreciate exploring the outdoors and grow a desire to learn biology and geology. Determined to major in the natural sciences, I obtained a degree in Earth Sciences and Anthropology at the University of California Santa Cruz. After graduation, family led me back to San Diego ( I also attended community college there) and the job search led me to QAI where my experience in the organic industry starts.

Real Time:

As a QAI Account Coordinator, everyday I am brought new questions focusing on what it takes to be organic which relates to my knowledge and interest in the natural world. It is a
fascinating job, and I look forward to increasing my knowledge in organics
while helping clients who support bettering the environment.

Fun Facts:

Current hobbies: Learning guitar, rock/mineral hunting

Favorite sports to play: Tennis and Volleyball

Favorite Band: Led Zeppelin

Favorite TV Show: Seinfeld

One of my best life experiences: Spending three weeks in the White Mountains, CA studying the geologic history, determining formationand mappingan areaof the Poleta Fold Belt for my senior thesis. (also included bathing in hot springs and kayaking Mono Lake)

To contact QAI:

If you have questions, concerns, or need general information, go to the QAI web site to learn how to contact us or to send us an email. For questions pertaining to QAI’s Quality News contact Ellen P. Holton, NSF QAI National Corporate Accounts Manager, Supply Chain.

QAI, Inc. is an NSF International Company. Visit the NSF web site to learn more about NSF International, The Public Health and Safety Company™.