What’s Organic

While the mainstream media focuses on the beer and sausages angle, buried in the language of the June 21st National Organic Program–Amendments to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances are the chemical compounds “Fructooligosaccharides” and “Inulin-oligofructose.”

On the amended “Nonorganically Produced Agricultural Products Allowed as Ingredients…” listed between the comparatively benign-sounding non-organic Fish oil and frozen Galangal are “Fructooligosaccharides.” And on the list between the non-organic Hops and Kelp is “Inulin-oligofructose, enriched.”

“Most oligosaccarides have a mildly sweet taste, and have certain other characteristics, such as the mouthfeel they lend to food, that has drawn the interest of the food industry as a partial substitute for fats and sugars in some foods as well as improved texture. Because of this, more and more of the oligosaccharides in food are synthetically produced.”
–Low Carb Diets: Oligosaccharides and Prebiotics

Oligosaccharides found naturally in foods in the onion family, as well as legumes, wheat and asparagus to name a few. But another way they enter our diet are as the food additives inulin and oligofructose. These compounds are also known as “resistant starch” and “fermentable fiber” made popular by low-carb diets. If the June 21 Interim Final Rules stand, they can also be added to foods marked USDA Organic.

“FOS is a commonly listed ingredient in vitamin supplements. FOS stands for Fructooligosaccharides, which are a sugar polymer that our bodies cannot digest.”
–FOS-Fructooligosaccharides

So how do you feel about the addition of these chemical compounds to our USDA Approved organic foods? The The June 21 changes are an Interim final rule with requests for comments. The text below comes from the Federal Register Notice (68kb PDF) and describes how to submit a public comment:

EFFECTIVE DATES: This interim final rule becomes effective June 21, 2007. All comments received by (60 DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER) will be considered prior to the issuance of the final rule.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons may comment on this interim final rule using any of the following procedures:

• Mail: Comments may be submitted by mail to Robert Pooler, Agricultural Marketing Specialist, National Organic Program, USDA/AMS/TMP/NOP, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 4008-So., Ag Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250.
• Internet: www.regulations.gov.
• Written comments on this interim final rule should be identified with the docket number AMS- TM-07-0062. Commenters should identify the topic and section number of thisinterim final rule to which the comment refers.
• Clearly indicate if you are for or against the interim final rule or some portion of it andyour reason for it. Include recommendation changes as appropriate.
• Include a copy of articles or other references that support your comments. Only relevant material should be submitted.

All comments to this interim final rule, submitted by the above procedures, will be available for viewing at: www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Pooler, Agricultural Marketing Specialist, National Organic Program, USDA/AMS/TM/NOP, Room 4008-So., Ag Stop 0268, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250. Phone: (202) 720-3252.