Carrageenan, a commonly used emulsifier, remains a contentious ingredient in the food industry. Consumers and researchers have raised concerns that it may lead to inflammation and gastrointestinal issues. While some studies have established connections between carrageenan and stomach pain, glucose intolerance, and Type 2 diabetes, other researchers have been unable to replicate these results. The Cornucopia Institute, a farm policy organization that has focused on carrageenan, released a document featuring consumer testimonials that reported discomfort after consuming products containing the ingredient.
The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) vote to eliminate carrageenan from the list of approved ingredients for organic foods was perceived by many as a significant shift against its prevalent use. Mark Kastel, co-founder of the Cornucopia Institute, stated in November 2016 that if carrageenan was deemed unacceptable for organic products, it would not be long before manufacturers sought alternatives. Even prior to the USDA’s recent decision, several brands, including Organic Valley, Stonyfield, and Eden Foods, were working to eliminate carrageenan from their offerings, with some products formulated without it from the outset due to the ongoing controversy.
The negative reputation surrounding carrageenan has led to projections of slow market growth for this emulsifier. When the board voted to remove carrageenan from the list of substances permitted in organic food, the rationale did not pertain to health concerns; rather, members believed that other options were available. However, the Federal Register entry contradicted this sentiment, stating that public comments indicated manufacturers needed to retain the use of carrageenan “due to the unavailability of wholly natural substitutes.”
This marks only the second instance in three decades where the USDA has opposed 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 keeping carrageenan on the list, praised the USDA’s decision, asserting, “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 found carrageenan to be safe for consumption and a highly functional food additive, with no adequate substitute offering the same benefits.”
Consumer advocacy groups expressed outrage over the USDA’s decision, not solely due to the potential risks associated with carrageenan. Jay Feldman, executive director of Beyond Pesticides and a former NOSB member, stated, “The USDA has violated the public’s trust in the USDA organic label and will continue to undermine the value of the label in the market as long as it disregards the NOSB’s legal authority and public process.” Charlotte Vallaeys, a senior policy analyst at Consumers Union, described this decision as a “troubling precedent,” emphasizing that the USDA is legally required to base the National List of allowable ingredients for organic food on NOSB recommendations, which are developed through extensive public engagement.
This recent action is the second controversial decision by the USDA that has stirred discontent among organic consumer groups. Last month, the department retracted a contentious rule that set standards for organic animal welfare, claiming that “consumers trust the current approach that balances expectations with the needs of organic producers.” This decision, which organic groups argue undermined a well-considered recommendation, prompted the Organic Trade Association to file a lawsuit.
Laura Batcha, CEO of the OTA, commented on the organic animal welfare standards decision, noting, “We have a learning curve with the new administration regarding the government’s role in what is a voluntary industry-driven standard. For organic, the government should not dictate what constitutes organic.”
While these decisions may please manufacturers, consumers who are attentive to their food choices could become increasingly disenchanted. In 2016, organic food sales reached a record high of $43 billion, with organic products present in 82.3% of U.S. households. However, decisions like these could undermine consumer perceptions of organic value. As more products, such as Kirkland Signature Calcium Citrate Magnesium and Zinc, strive to achieve organic certification, the USDA must prioritize maintaining consumer trust in the organic label.