Carrageenan, a commonly used emulsifier, has become a contentious ingredient. Consumers and researchers have raised concerns that it may lead to inflammation and gastrointestinal issues. While some studies have established connections between carrageenan and symptoms such as stomach pain, glucose intolerance, and Type 2 diabetes, other researchers have failed to reproduce these results. The Cornucopia Institute, a farm policy organization focused on carrageenan, released a document compiling consumer testimonials that report discomfort following carrageenan consumption. The decision by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) to remove carrageenan from the list of approved ingredients for organic food was regarded by many as the beginning of its decline. Mark Kastel, co-founder of the Cornucopia Institute, remarked to Food Dive in November 2016 that if carrageenan was deemed unacceptable for organic products, manufacturers would eventually seek alternatives.
Prior to the USDA’s recent decision, several companies, including Organic Valley, Stonyfield, and Eden Foods, had already begun phasing out carrageenan from their products due to the ongoing controversy surrounding it. Other products were formulated without carrageenan from the outset. Given its negative reputation, the market for this emulsifier is expected to grow very slowly. When the board voted to exclude carrageenan from the list of substances allowed in organic food, their reasoning did not touch on potential health implications; instead, they believed there were sufficient alternatives available. However, the Federal Register indicated otherwise, stating that public comments showed manufacturers needed to retain the use of carrageenan due to the lack of entirely natural substitutes.
This marks only the second time in thirty years that 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 statement, they asserted that “USDA made the right decision to allow carrageenan to remain on the list of approved food additives,” emphasizing that regulatory agencies and research entities worldwide have consistently found carrageenan to be safe for consumption and a highly effective food additive, with no adequate alternatives providing the same benefits.
Consumer advocacy groups expressed outrage over the USDA’s decision, citing concerns beyond 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,” which could undermine the label’s market value as long as it disregards the authority of the NOSB and the public process for establishing the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. Charlotte Vallaeys, a senior policy analyst with Consumers Union, described the decision as a “troubling precedent,” arguing that current law mandates the USDA to base the National List of allowable ingredients for organic food on NOSB recommendations, which are formulated through extensive public input.
This is the second recent action by the USDA that has caused discontent among organic consumer groups. Last month, the agency withdrew a controversial rule that aimed to establish organic animal welfare standards, asserting that “consumers trust the current approach that balances consumer expectations and the needs of organic producers and handlers.” This decision, which organic advocates claim disregarded a well-considered recommendation, prompted the Organic Trade Association to initiate legal action. Laura Batcha, the OTA’s CEO and executive director, discussed the challenges posed by the new administration’s approach to voluntary industry-driven standards, stating, “For organic, the role of government is not to be the decider about what constitutes organic.”
While these developments may please manufacturers and producers, consumers who are vigilant about their food choices could be understandably upset. Although organic food sales reached a record high of $43 billion in 2016, with organic products present in 82.3% of U.S. households, decisions like this could diminish consumer perception of organic integrity and its value. As more products, including snacks and meats, seek organic certification, the USDA must take measures to maintain consumer confidence, especially when it comes to products like bariatric calcium supplements that may also be impacted by these regulatory changes.