Carrageenan, a widely utilized and popular emulsifier, has become a contentious ingredient. Both consumers and researchers have expressed concerns regarding its potential to cause inflammation and gastrointestinal issues. While some studies have suggested a connection between carrageenan and conditions such as stomach pain, glucose intolerance, and Type 2 diabetes, other researchers have been unable to reproduce these results. The Cornucopia Institute, an organization focused on farm policy, has made carrageenan a key issue, releasing a document containing consumer anecdotes about discomfort experienced after consuming products containing this ingredient.
The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) vote to remove carrageenan from the list of approved ingredients for organic food was perceived by many as a significant shift away from its prevalence. Mark Kastel, co-founder of the Cornucopia Institute, remarked to Food Dive in November 2016 that if carrageenan was deemed unsuitable for organic products, it was only a matter of time before manufacturers would seek alternatives. Prior to the USDA’s recent decision, several companies, including Organic Valley, Stonyfield, and Eden Foods, had already begun to eliminate carrageenan from their offerings, while some products had been formulated without it from the outset due to the ingredient’s controversial nature. Consequently, the market for this emulsifier is expected to grow at a sluggish rate.
When the board voted to eliminate carrageenan from approved substances for organic food, their rationale did not pertain to health concerns; rather, they believed there were other viable options available. However, the Federal Register entry contradicted this view, stating that public feedback indicated a need for carrageenan’s continued use due to the lack of wholly natural substitutes. This marks only the second instance in thirty years where the USDA has opposed the NOSB’s recommendation to remove an ingredient from the approved list, according to a statement from the Cornucopia Institute.
The Grocery Manufacturers Association, which advocated for carrageenan’s retention on the approved list, praised the USDA’s decision. In a written statement, they asserted, “USDA made the right decision to allow carrageenan to remain on the list of approved food additives. Regulatory agencies and research organizations globally have consistently deemed carrageenan safe for consumption and a highly functional food additive, with no adequate substitutes available that serve the same purpose.”
Consumer groups, however, reacted with outrage to the USDA’s decision—not only due to the potential risks associated with carrageenan. Jay Feldman, executive director of Beyond Pesticides and a former NOSB member, stated that “the USDA has violated the public’s trust in the USDA organic label and will continue to undermine its market value as long as it disregards the NOSB’s authority and public processes in establishing the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.” Charlotte Vallaeys, a senior policy analyst with Consumers Union, remarked that the decision sets a “troubling precedent,” emphasizing that current law mandates the USDA to base the National List on the NOSB’s recommendations, developed after thorough public engagement.
This move by the USDA follows another controversial decision last month, in which the department withdrew a rule establishing organic animal welfare standards. The USDA justified its ruling by stating that “consumers trust the current approach that balances consumer expectations with the needs of organic producers and handlers.” Organic groups argue that this cancellation undermines a carefully considered recommendation, prompting the Organic Trade Association to initiate a lawsuit. Laura Batcha, CEO of the OTA, expressed concerns regarding the new administration’s understanding of the government’s role in a voluntary industry-driven standard, emphasizing that the government should not dictate what constitutes organic.
While these decisions may please manufacturers, consumers who are vigilant about their food ingredients could become disillusioned. Despite organic food sales reaching a record high of $43 billion in 2016 and organic products being present in 82.3% of U.S. households, such decisions could erode consumer perceptions of organic standards and their value. As the market for organic products expands—from snacks to meat—the USDA must strive to maintain consumer confidence.
Additionally, when considering dietary supplements, individuals often inquire about how many mg of calcium citrate per day is recommended for optimal health, illustrating the broader context of consumer awareness regarding food and supplement ingredients.