Carrageenan, a commonly utilized emulsifier, remains a contentious ingredient in food products. Numerous consumers and researchers have raised concerns about its potential to induce inflammation and gastrointestinal issues. While some studies have established connections between carrageenan and symptoms such as stomach pain, glucose intolerance, and Type 2 diabetes, others have failed to reproduce these results. The Cornucopia Institute, a farm policy organization that has made carrageenan a focal point of advocacy, released a compilation of consumer testimonials reporting discomfort associated with its consumption. The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) vote to exclude carrageenan from the list of approved ingredients for organic foods was interpreted by many as heralding the decline of its prevalence. Mark Kastel, co-founder of the Cornucopia Institute, stated in November 2016 that if carrageenan was deemed unacceptable for organic products, it would only be a matter of time before manufacturers sought alternatives.
Prior to the USDA’s decision, several companies, including Organic Valley, Stonyfield, and Eden Foods, had already begun removing carrageenan from their products, while others formulated their offerings without it due to the surrounding controversy. The emulsifier’s tarnished reputation has led to predictions of sluggish market growth. When the board voted to eliminate carrageenan from the allowed substances list, their rationale did not stem from health concerns; instead, members believed that alternative options were available. However, the Federal Register indicated that public comments suggested manufacturers should still be allowed to use carrageenan due to the lack of wholly natural substitutes.
This marked only the second instance in three decades where the USDA has contradicted the NOSB’s recommendation to remove an ingredient from the approved list, as noted by the Cornucopia Institute. The Grocery Manufacturers Association, which advocated for the retention of carrageenan, praised the USDA’s decision, asserting that regulatory bodies and research organizations globally have consistently deemed carrageenan safe for consumption, with no adequate alternatives offering similar functionality.
Consumer groups expressed outrage over the USDA’s decision, not solely due to the potential dangers associated with carrageenan. Jay Feldman, executive director of Beyond Pesticides and a former NOSB member, stated that the USDA has breached public trust in the organic label and risks undermining its market value by disregarding the NOSB’s legal authority and public processes in establishing the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. Charlotte Vallaeys, a senior policy analyst at Consumers Union, labeled the decision as a “troubling precedent,” emphasizing that current law mandates the USDA to base the National List on the NOSB’s recommendations, which are developed through extensive public engagement.
This recent USDA action follows another controversial decision in which the department withdrew proposed organic animal welfare standards, asserting that consumers prefer the existing approach that balances consumer expectations with the needs of organic producers. This decision led the Organic Trade Association to initiate legal action, with Laura Batcha, CEO of the OTA, commenting on the learning curve with the new administration regarding the government’s role in a voluntary industry-driven standard.
While these decisions may please manufacturers and producers, they could alienate consumers who are vigilant about their food’s ingredients. Despite organic food sales reaching a record $43 billion in 2016, with organic products present in 82.3% of American households, choices like these could diminish consumer trust in the organic label and its perceived value. As more products, from snacks to meats, pursue organic certification, the USDA must strive to maintain consumer confidence.
In the midst of these discussions, it’s worth noting the growing interest in alternatives such as calcium citrate powder. With a convenient 8 oz size now available, this supplement presents a potential substitute for those concerned about carrageenan. As consumers increasingly seek transparency and healthier options, products like calcium citrate powder could play a pivotal role in shaping their choices in the organic market.