SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FOR POULTRY OPERATIONS AND FEED MANUFACTURERS WHO ARE MAKING POULTRY FEED

DL-Methionine, DL-Methioninehydroxyl analog, and DL-Methioninehydroxyl analog calcium (CAS #—59–51–8; 63–68–3; 348–67–4) will no longer be allowed to be used in Poultry feed, as of October 1, 2008.

DL-Methionine and its analogs were added to the National List on November 3, 2003, for use in organic poultry production. Initially these substances carried an expiration date of October 21, 2005. Effective October 22, 2005, the expiration date was amended to October 1, 2008. Because these substances have an expiration date recommended by the NOSB and established by rulemaking, they are not included in the new sunset review. The NOP National List petition process would have to be employed for these substances to be authorized for use after October 1, 2008.

Please contact your account coordinator to update your Organic Compliance Plan to include your plans to eliminate these products from your poultry feed rations. Additionally, you must document how you plan to meet the poultry’s nutrient needs for the limiting amino acid, Methionine, without adding these synthetic products.

LIVESTOCK OPERATIONS RECEIVE NOP APPROVAL FOR NEW MEDICAL TREATMENTS

On December 12, 2007, NOP added nine new medical treatments for use in organic livestock production to the National List NOP 205.603.  Each of the medical treatments has a specific annotation that limits the factors to be met when using the products. Please check the National List for those annotations to ensure compliance when using these products. The medical treatments can be added to your Organic Compliance Plan (OCP) for immediate use in your livestock operations.  Remember:  You must update your OCP and the Herd Medical Profile before using, and you must maintain documentation to show that you comply with the specific annotations when using the products.   

The list of substances with the limiting annotations to be used is as follows:

1. Atropine (CAS #–51–55–8)
2. Butorphanol (CAS #–42408–82–2)
3. Flunixin (CAS #–38677–85–9)
4. Furosemide (CAS #–54–31–9)
5. Magnesium hydroxide (CAS #–1309–42–8)
6. Poloxalene (CAS #–9003–11–6)
7. Tolazoline (CAS #–59–98–3)
8. Xylazine (CAS #–7361–61–7)

9) Peroxyacetic/Peracetic acid (CAS #–79–21–0)—for sanitizing facility and processing equipment

This final rule also added a new definition to NOP 205.201:

Excipients —  Any ingredients that are intentionally added to livestock medications but do not exert therapeutic or diagnostic effects at the intended dosage, although they may act to improve product delivery (e.g., enhancing absorption or controlling release of the drug substance). Examples of such ingredients include fillers, extenders, diluents, wetting agents, solvents, emulsifiers, preservatives, flavors, absorption enhancers, sustained-release matrices and coloring agents.

NOP § 205.603 added a new paragraph (f) limiting excipients in the manufacturing of drugs used to treat organic livestock when the excipient is:  Identified by the FDA as generally recognized as safe; approved by the FDA as a food additive; or included in the FDA review and approval of a New Animal Drug Application or New Drug Application.

At the recent NOP Certifying Agent Training, held in Louisville, KY, NOP confirmed that the excipients definition can also be extended to the use of biologics. 

SPECIAL NOTE:  NOP did NOT add the following petitioned synthetic form of items for use in livestock production:

1. Activated Charcoal
2. Calcium Borogluconate 
3. Calcium Propionate 
4. Kaolin 
5. Pectin 
6. Mineral Oil
7. Propylene Glycol
8. Epinephrine

If you can document that you are using natural forms of these products, you will still be allowed to use them for your livestock use.

Handlers and Producers May be Affected by Sunset Review

I. Background

The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) authorizes the establishment of the National List of allowed and prohibited substances. The National List identifies synthetic substances (synthetics) that are allowed and nonsynthetic substances (nonsynthetics) that are prohibited in organic crop and livestock production. The National List also identifies nonsynthetics and synthetics that are allowed for use in organic handling.

The exemptions and prohibitions granted under the OFPA are required to be reviewed every five years by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). The Secretary of Agriculture has the authority under the OFPA to renew such exemptions and prohibitions. If they are not reviewed by the NOSB within five years of their inclusion on the National List and renewed by the Secretary, their authorized use or prohibition expires. On December 28, 2007, the Federal Register announced the sunset of eleven exempted substances and one prohibited substance added to the National List on November 3 and 4, 2003. The sunset review and renewal process must be concluded  by November 3, 2008.

II. The Materials Affected

Producers: Items that may be removed from the National List, 205.601, as of November 2008:

1. Copper sulfate—for use as an algicide in aquatic rice systems and for use as tadpole shrimp control in aquatic rice production, is limited to one application per field during any 24-month period. Application rates are limited to those which do not increase baseline soil test values for copper over a timeframe agreed upon by the producer and accredited certifying agent.
2. Ozone gas—for use as an irrigation system cleaner only.
3. Peracetic acid—for use in disinfecting equipment, seed, and asexually propagated planting material, and for use to control fire blight bacteria.
4. EPA List 3—Inerts of unknown toxicity allowed: (ii) Inerts used in passive pheromone dispensers. (m) As synthetic inert ingredients as classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for use with nonsynthetic substances or synthetic substances listed in this section and used as an active pesticide ingredient in accordance with any limitations on the use of such substances.

Producers:  Items that may no longer be prohibited/restricted for use, according to the National List, 205.602:

1. Calcium chloride, brine process is natural and prohibited for use except as a foliar spray to treat a physiological disorder associated with calcium uptake.

Handlers: Items that may be removed from the National List, 205.605, as of November 2008:

1. Agar-agar
2. Animal enzymes—(Rennet—animals derived; Catalase—bovine liver; Animal lipase; Pancreatin; Pepsin; and Trypsin)
3. Calcium sulfate—mined
4. Carageenan
5. Glucono delta-lactone—production by the oxidation of D-glucose with bromine water is prohibited
6. Tartaric acid
7. Cellulose—for use in regenerative casings, as an anti-caking agent (nonchlorine bleached) and filtering aid

The Next Steps

The first round of public comments regarding whether the existing specific exemptions or prohibitions on the National List should be continued were accepted by the NOP from 12/28/07 – 1/28/08. The NOP has forwarded the comments to the NOSB, who will carry out another review of these substances.

Following the NOSB review, the NOSB will make a formal recommendation to the Secretary regarding the continued exemption or prohibition of these materials. The NOP will then publish a proposed rule based on the NOSB recommendations. This proposed rule will provide an additional opportunity for the public to express their views. Comments received on the proposed rule will be used to develop a final rule.

For a complete discussion on the issue and guidance on submitting further comments, please visit http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/Newsroom/FedReg12-28-07Sunset2008.pdf.

Canada Updates

Quebec

The Conseil des appellations réservées et des termes valorisants (CARTV) was set up by the Government of Québec on November 6, 2006, pursuant to the Act Respecting Reserved Designations and Added-Value Claims (L.R.Q., chapitre A-2-.03). This Act protects the authenticity of products and the terms used to identify and promote them, through product certification based on origins or on special characteristics associated with a production method or specificity.

Effective January 1, 2008, the CARTV was granted jurisdiction over agriculture and food products bearing a reserved designation and sold on Québec territory, by Order 1124-2007, adopted on December 12, 2007 by the Government of Québec.

The CARTV is taking over the responsibilities of the Conseil des Appellations Agroalimentaires du Québec (CAAQ), the agency which formerly controlled the organic standard in Québec. For clients based in Québec, please note that the CARTV staff is comprised of the same friendly and helpful individuals that you have been come accustomed to working with at CAAQ.

For more information, please consult the new website: www.cartvquebec.com

Canada Federal

On December 14, 2008, the Canadian Organic Regulations will go into effect. Over the last few months, we have received several questions on how these regulations will affect clients based in Canada, as well as those exporting product to Canada from the U.S.

Currently, voting members of the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) are working to revise the Standards, as well as the Permitted Substances List.

Accrediting bodies, which will in turn accredit certifying bodies, are undergoing inspection and review of their systems by the Canadian General Inspection Agency.  A list of these agencies, to which certifying bodies may apply, is forthcoming.

The United States and Canada are in negotiations regarding their two respective standards and the possibility of equivalency or recognition. QAI is also developing its system to certify to the Canadian Standard.

We will keep clients apprised of any new developments regarding the Canadian Organic Regime, as they occur. 

For more information about the Canadian standard, please contact Kasey Moctezuma, Canada Specialist, at 858-792-3531 ext. 143 or kasey@qai-inc.com

Attention Group Management Certification Clients:

On May 2, 2007, the NOP advised all accredited certifiers that until the NOP conducts rule-making to address group certifications, certifiers may use the 2002 NOSB recommendation on grower groups for interim guidance on how to certify group management systems.

QAI has always followed the October 20, 2002 NOSB Recommendation, Criteria for Certification of Grower Groups, and additionally, the IFOAM Criteria for Certification of Grower Groups for group organic certification criteria.  However, it has recently been brought to our attention that a better educational tool to assist our clients in understanding how to comply with the NOP standards would be greatly appreciated.  Accordingly, QAI is developing a new guide entitled Group Management Certification by QAI.  This document is intended to help with NOP compliance. Once published it will be made available in the Forms and Rresources section of the QAI website or you may contact your Account Coordinator to receive a copy.

April 26 - 29th All Things Organic (booth #3319) , McCormick Place, Chicago, IL

QAI is a proud sponsor of the
Organic Trade Association

www.ota.com

This time we turn the spotlight on Waterman Stan Tran and Waterwoman Diane Hennelly!

Backstory…

I was born in Lubbock, Texas in 1980 over a year after my family had desperately fled a war-torn Vietnam.  Thanks to my family’s heroic efforts, I was the first to be born in the United States.  Shortly thereafter, we moved to Maryland.  After a year in Maryland, we moved to sunny San Diego, where we have resided in Solana Beach for 20 years.

I have two older brothers (Vince, the oldest, and Alex), and no sisters.  Eeeek!  Luckily, a year ago a baby girl was born into the family, and I became an Uncle, and let me tell ya, Grandma (my mom) couldn’t be more ecstatic.  Another is on the way, a boy this time.  This is a very exciting time for my family!

Realtime:

With no intentions of leaving, I undertook my undergraduate studies at the University of California, San Diego where I received my B.S. in Environmental Chemistry.  A year later, I started working at QAI where I have enjoyed immersing myself into the organic industry.  It has been a fulfilling experience, which has allowed me ample opportunity to apply what I have learned. 

Outside of the office, one of my passions is surfing.  It appeals to the environmentalist inside of me.  It is one of the few things that I can do where nature is left exactly the same as I have found it.  It gives me great peace of mind to work in an industry that allows me to interact with clients and co-workers who respect the environment as much as I do.

Fun Facts

Favorite Movies:  Casablanca, The Shawshank Redemption, Seven, Kung Fu Hustle, & Harry Potter 1-7

Sports:  Soccer, volleyball, skiing, tennis and golf

Heroes:  Family, especially my Grandfather

Books:  Surfer Mag …wait a sec that’s not a book.

Best Wave:  Ocean Beach, San Francisco

Scariest Wave:  Ocean Beach, San Francisco

Favorite Artists/Bands:  Van Morrison, Chuck Berry, Rise Against, Blink 182

Currently Growing in my Yard:  Papaya, macadamia nuts, mulberries, oranges, tangerines, kumquats, cherimoya, guava, dragonfruit, lychee, nectarines, and bananas

Diane Hennelly

Background
I grew up in Madison, CT, a small beach town on Long Island Sound. I was certain at a young age that I would pursue a career in entomology, but things don’t often go as planned.

I attended Bucknell University, located in The-Middle-Of-Nowhere, Pennsylvania, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in environmental science. Several field labs in sustainable development and ecology had us visiting local farms, which led me to gain an appreciation for the amazing amount of work that goes into organic farming.  It also made me aware of the impact that non-organic farming can have on surrounding ecosystems.

My interest in environmental issues and passion for SCUBA diving led me to spend a semester living on the top of a mountain in the Atherton Tableland’s region of the Australian Rainforest where I completed and directed research projects and studied ecology, rainforest management and socio-economic policy.  The course load was intense; 14-hour days, 6-days a week, but I managed to make time for Great Barrier Reef excursions and earned my advanced diving certification.

Real time
Moving to San Diego last April was a huge change for me. I have always lived in the Northeast.  Finding myself in shorts and a t-shirt in the middle of January was a bit of a shock. Mostly I miss experiencing four different seasons but not having to dig my car out of the snow at 6 AM every other day for four months a year is really a plus. The diving is also significantly more enjoyable out here than it is in New England (though equally cold). The visibility exceeds the 15-foot max that I’ve experienced in Massachusetts, and San Diego’s beautiful kelp beds are home to several brightly colored nudibranchs (wicked little ½ inch long sea slugs).

At the “Q”
 love food. More specifically, I love good food. And organic farming is all about producing good food in an environmentally sustainable fashion. With my background in environmental science, and interest in tasty edibles, a career working in the organics industry just seemed like a good way to pursue two things I really care about.

Fun Facts
Interests: Hiking, kayaking, SCUBA diving, underwater photography (nudibranchs!), traveling, cooking … pretty much anything that has to do with the outdoors or food. I also create stained glass and ceramic art.

Favorite TV Show: Anything on the Discovery Channel

Favorite Food: I have to choose just one?

Favorite Activity: Blowing bubbles with the fishes.

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 Joshua Rollins, New Client Coordinator.

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